Memory Griffin, a World War II veteran, is about to celebrate his 102nd birthday. He served stateside during the war, dedicating his time to training new recruits to become soldiers.
Named after an uncle he never met, Griffin was drafted into the Army after leaving college.
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Reflecting on his service, he shared, "We used to go out on bivouac, and I taught them how to shoot guns, rifles."
Griffin comes from a long line of family members who proudly served in the Armed Forces. Cheri Smith, a fellow veteran in the family, recited, "The military history includes Cleveland, Memory, Broadus, Hal, Linda Griffin, who lives in Virginia, Cheri and Ross."
A great-grand niece is currently serving in the Army.
After his discharge from Fort Bragg (now Fort Liberty), Griffin relocated to Washington, D.C., where he worked various jobs, including a stint as a cab driver, a job that nearly cost him his life.
"So they said, 'Well, you should have some money because I got a gun at the back of your head," he said.
During an attempted robbery, Griffin was shot in the face, with the bullet still lodged in his head to this day. Remarkably, he survived and went on to work at the U.S. Mint, where money is printed.
Although he never had children and waited until he was 90 to marry his beloved wife, Geraldine, who has since passed away, Griffin remains grateful for a long life.
When asked about the secret to his longevity, he simply said, "Through the mercy of God. That's the only thing I know."
The family will celebrate his 102nd birthday on Dec. 7 coinciding with Pearl Harbor Day.
They continue to honor his incredible life and the service of all veterans, emphasizing that every day is Veterans Day.