In March of 1943, at age 17, our Dad enlisted in the Navy V-12 College Training Program to become a commissioned officer. He completed flight training in 1946 as a Naval Aviator. After graduation from Northern Illinois College of Optometry, he reenlisted in the Navy and joined the VP-5 Maritime Patrol Squadron in Florida.

He was a plane commander flying PBYs, P2Vs and S2F's. After returning to civilian life, he returned to Michigan and served his Reserve Duty at NAS Grosse Ile. He practiced Optometry in Redford and Livonia for 53 years. In September 2018, Dad was one of 63 veterans to fly to Washington DC as part of the Mid-Michigan Honor Flight. After a 20 year military career, he maintained his private pilot license, always "poking holes in the sky".

- The Beecher Family