Major General John Raaen, Jr.: Part 3

Today concludes the three-part series with Major General Raaen, Jr. His personal story is a must to listen to and understand. We truly “Stand on the shoulders of giants!” Major General Raaen was a captain with the 5th Ranger Battalion during World War II. Starting off with humor, Major General Raaen recollects on D-Day, June 6, 1944, how he saw an inactive tank on the beach as German gunfire surrounded him. Without hesitation he walked up to the tank, pounded the butt head of his gun on the tank, woke up the troops inside and stated, “There’s a battle going on. Want to get involved?” He also recounts the numerous times he was left in charge of troops, with one commander walking away with the comment, “the monkey is on your back.” He is very humble and calls himself a “spare officer” when Kim recognizes the trust given to him. Major General Raaen found it “sporting” to be walking in ditches knowing no Allies were ahead of him and surrounded by Germans as he sought out ammunition and supplies. He had to find Ranger replacements and train them as they battled the Germans—the ultimate training on the job. Listen to his disappointment when he was commanded out and missed a Dinah Shore performance. This segment ends with The Battle of the Bulge, which Major General Raaen says he “didn’t last because he was taken out.” His final thought is appreciation for all the support that he and other troops received. Patriotism from home gave them the support to perform well.

Karen Levine, award winning realtor with RE/MAX Alliance, Lorne Levy, mortgage specialist at Polygon Financial, and Hal Van Hercke, veteran and owner of Castlegate Knife and Tool, all sponsors of America’s Veteran’s Stories, express their gratitude to veterans who have served our country. Karen is honored to help veterans in buying or selling a home during this spring market. Lorne comments that the opportunity to help veterans get a low mortgage or refinance rate is exactly what he wants to do. Hal states that his dad and uncles served in World War II, and he himself is a veteran. Hal gives a 10% discount to all veterans, active military and first responders, to recognize their contribution to our country and show his appreciation for what they do.