Waddell McGee, 62
Retired Army sergeant
Miami
Hospital corners: I'm very structured, even though there's only my wife, the dog and myself. In the morning I get up, go to the bathroom, make the bed and don't sit on it until it's time for bed. Everything must be folded the right length. My wife just shakes her head.
Seeking vets: I do volunteer work with the Veterans History Project. We interview vets from WWI to the present. We interviewed a lady vet from WWII. She was a marine and her job in the war was a plumber. We need all kinds of veterans. (More info: www.loc.gov/vets/)
Stories to tell: The Miami VA has its own nursing homes. Vets who live there for years and years have very intriguing stories. High school students come out and interview them with their cameras. These young people are great. If I had known kids were so nice I would have had some.
Still doing push-ups: I'm a young 62. I socialize with youthful people who can work my cellphone for me. My cholesterol is 128. I don't smoke or drink and I exercise three times a week. I do jumping jacks, a few push-ups and a lot of walking. I've been blessed.
Ouch! I have typical arthritis and back problems. I was injured last year when I fell off a vehicle at night with full Army gear, about 75 pounds. I hit a rock or hole in the ground and and it compressed my neck and spine. I also have tinnitus in my ears from artillery going off in a bunker.
Hold the burger: I'm careful about what I eat -- fruits, vegetables, seafood. Not a lot of fatty foods or fast foods. I eat a lot of natural products.
At ease: I like the serenity of being around the ocean. I enjoy working in the yard with flowers and plants. That was a passion growing up, long before it became fashionable.
