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Update: On Wednesday, November 11, 2015, H. Eugene Vickers celebrated his 100th birthday. He was honored as the grand marshal in the Veterans Day Parade held in Media, PA. Those wishing to send a birthday card to Mr. Vickers can mail them to 281 Overbrook Drive, Newtown Square, PA 19073.
Mr. Vickers was also featured as “Man of the Century” in a recent publication of the Delaware County Daily Times. Read the article here.[/vc_column_text][mk_divider margin_top=”5″ margin_bottom=”11″][vc_column_text]H. Eugene Vickers, WWII veteran and former student, employee, and longtime friend of the University, celebrated his 99th birthday on Veterans Day, November 11, 2014.
In the months leading up to his birthday, Vickers has been honored both locally and nationally. This past June, Vickers was saluted, along with hundreds of other World War II veterans, while on an Honor Flight trip to Washington, D.C. On Monday, Nov. 10, Vickers was honored at an Eagles game at Lincoln Financial Field with three of his four daughters and two of his granddaughters there to support him. On Veterans Day, he rode in a Classic Corvette and the Mayor of Media and Vietnam veteran Bob McMahon introduced Vickers as he rode past the Courthouse, and asked everyone to sing “Happy Birthday” for his 99th birthday.
Leading a robust military, professional, and spiritual life, Vickers never imagined he would make it to age 99. On Dec. 1, 1942, he was accepted as an ensign in the U.S. Naval Reserve, and on July 31, 1943, he boarded the U.S.S. Ganymede, which ran cargo to Australia, Southwest Pacific and San Francisco. The ship was part of Gen. MacArthur’s fleet, and Vickers served as Acting Chaplain aboard. Ganymede took part in the Finschhafen Operation in January 1944 and the Hollandia Operation in April 1944. Vickers also boarded the U.S.S. Panamint from Hoboken, NJ on Oct. 14, 1944. Panamint served as the flagship during the Okinawa operation from April 1 to June 15, 1945. After three years of active duty as a Navy lieutenant, Vickers was discharged.
After Vickers returned home, he attended Cairn University and worked at the University for 43 years. In the 1960s and 70s, he served as Director of Alumni and Director of Admissions, as well as a soccer coach. His four daughters, Betty Jean, Barbara, Brenda and Beverly, and several of his grandchildren also attended the University.
His daughter, Barbara Moore Vickers, says: “We are so proud of Dad, not only for his service to our country, but for his godly example and service for the Lord throughout his life.”
Vickers currently resides in Newtown Square, PA.
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