Two vets share stories of military service

Even though a lot has changed about military service since World War II, two veterans shared their war experiences from different generations on Friday.

Jim Clutts, 91, lives at Presbyterian Village North. Nick Holland, 38, works there. Recently they discovered they had both served their country, although at much different times.

Clutts served in the air force during World War II.

“I have met this guy and we have become friends,” Clutts said.

Nick Holland served in the Navy during operation enduring freedom.

“Learning about his era is more fascinating than what I've been through. Before technology, learning how they got messages across is totally different than what we have now,” Holland said.

One saw preparations made for the atomic bomb the other witnessed "shock and awe" in Iraq.

Holland asked Clutts this Veteran’s Day what inspired him to serve.

“Everyone was being drafted at that time. Just a few days before my 18th birthday I enlisted,” Clutts said.

Both shun suggestions of heroism, with the two saying they just did their part.

According to the veteran's administration, World War II vets are dying at a rate of 492 a day. There are now fewer than 1 million vets of the 16 million who served.