Mission 101a:

John Abbott's 101st Birthday

About:  John was born on November 4, 1922, John Abbott joined the Merchant Marines in early 1945 and was assigned to the USNS MISSION LORETO, a T-2 fuel tanker, where he spent much of his time as helmsman. His ship crossed the Pacific Ocean, avoiding mines and at least one Japanese submarine. In August 1945 they were 800 miles off the coast of Okinawa when “the bomb” was dropped.

He received his honorable discharge in September 1945 and immediately joined the U.S. Army. After bootcamp, he boarded a transport ship headed to Iwo Jima where he spent the next year. Upon his honorable discharge in July 1947, he was awarded the World War II Victory Medal and "ruptured duck" lapel button for his time in the Army.

Birthday: 11/4

Send in time to arrive by: 11/3 

Mailing Address:

Mr. John Abbott

C/O Abandoned Antiques

8323 Highway 51

North Millington, TN 38053

Mission 101b:

Buddy Bryant's 90th Birthday

About:  COL William "Buddy" L. Bryant, US Army (retired), served from 1956 to 1984. His overseas assignments included Japan, Korea, Vietnam and Germany. CONUS assignments included The Pentagon, Command and General Staff College, the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, Ft Benning, and Ft Lee among others. He is the recipient of the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal and numerous other awards.

Birthday: 11/8

Send in time to arrive by :11/7

Mailing Address:

COL Buddy Bryant 

15513 Sultree Dr

Midlothian VA 23112

Mission 101c:

Jay McGee's 100th Birthday

About:  Jay McGee turns 100 on Veteran's Day! He is a very proud Marine who enlisted at 18 as a gunner in a machine gun platoon the day after Pearl Harbor was bombed. He fought some intense battles with Japanese forces. He continues to walk every day and loves his ice cream!

Birthday:11/11

Send in time to arrive by :11/10

Mailing Address:

Deupree House

Attn: Jay McGee's Birthday

3939 Erie Ave #106

Cincinnati, OH 45208

Mission 101d:

Jimmy White's 73rd Birthday

About:  My Dad, Jimmy White will be celebrating his 73rd birthday November 17. He is an Air Force Vietnam veteran and was stationed out of Wright Patterson AFB in Dayton, Ohio. He is a Ride Captain with the Patriot Guard Riders. He participates in Honor Flight missions, the Snowball Express with Gary Sinise and stands flag lines for people he’s never met. He does so much in his life to honor veterans, police and service members and I would like for him to be appreciated for his efforts in remembering those who some have forgotten.

Birthday: 11/17

Send in time to arrive by :11/17

Mailing Address:

Jimmy White
103 Julie Lane
Stockbridge, Ga 30281

Mission 101e:

John William's 80th Birthday

About:  John L. Williams, Jr served in the US Army from 1969-1973. He is a Vietnam War Veteran and Bronze Star recipient. Born in Miami. Attended University of South Florida and enlisted in the Army upon graduation as an officer. After serving in the Vietnam War, John settled in Huntsville working for NASA where he met his wife of fifty years, Nina. After a few years, the couple moved to Atlanta, GA where John worked for the CDC and retired in 2003 after thirty years of service. The couple have two grown children and four grandchildren. He now enjoys golf, hunting, reading, and crossword puzzles.

Fun fact: John’s father and four uncles all served in the armed forces at the same time during WWII. Their story made the Miami Herald.

Birthday: 11/19

Send in time to arrive by :11/18

Mailing Address:

John L. Williams, Jr

4123 Thornwall Drive

Marietta, GA 30062

Mission 101f:

Joseph Robinson's 77th Birthday

About:  Joe enlisted in the USAF in November of 1964 and his basic training took place at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, TX. He was transferred to missile technician training at Chanute AFB in IL. After training he was assigned to the 484th Heavy Bomber Wing, Strategic Air Command (SAC) at Turner AFB in Albany, GA. He was a missile service technician on the Hound Dog (GAM-77.) Hound Dog is a Guided Air-launched Missile carried/delivered by a B-52 bomber. Hound Dog was armed with a 28 megaton nuclear warhead and had a 1,500 mile range. The B-52 carried one under each wing (never launched one!) 

While stationed at Turner, the 484th Wing went temporary duty to Anderson AFB in Guam for six months, flying bombing missions to Vietnam using conventional bombs (TNT) remaining from WWII and the Korean Conflict. The B-52 carried 24 @ 1000 pound bombs in the bomb bay and 12 @ 750 pound bombs under each wing. The electronics used to launch the Hound Dog were used to drop the conventional bombs from the wing. 

Joe flew four missions (two to North Vietnam and two to South Vietnam.) He was in Guam for six months, then returned to Turner AFB. When Turner closed, he was transferred to the 449th Bomb Wing (SAC) at Kincheloe AFM in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Joe's remaining active duty years were spent there. He was released from active duty in October of 1968 and received an Honorable Discharge in November of 1970. 

He was discharged with the rank of Sergeant (E-4.) During his service, Joe was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Small Arms Expert Medal, Vietnam Support Commemorative Medal, Presidential Unit Citation (2) with oak leaf cluster, Senior Missileman Badge, Honorable Discharge Ribbon, USAF Service Commemorative Medal, USAF Good Conduct Medal, Overseas Service Commemorative Medal, and he has also been honored with a Connecticut State Veterans Recognition Medal. Today, 

Joe lives in Honea Path, SC, with his lovely wife of 54 years, Joyce, where they enjoy spending their retirement with their children and grandchildren.

Birthday: 11/25

Send in time to arrive by :11/25

Mailing Address:

Joseph M. Robinson

16 Carlisle Drive

Honea Path, SC 29654

Mission 100a Complete:

Carl E.'s 99th

Here's a note from his daughter:  

Thanks to everyone that sent cards. My Dad received over 300 cards for his 99th!!!

Mission 100b Complete:

Bill Y.'s 91st

Here's a note from his daughter:  

Short Notice Mission Complete:

Aubrey M.'s 99th

Here's a note from his daughter-in-law:  Thank you so much for loving and thoughtful responses to my Father-in-law's birthday. It has been so much fun looking at all of the wonderful greetings from all over the states. We did have to giggle over how many of the senders he said he remembered. This proves how many wonderful people are out there. THANK YOU AGAIN! This organization is full of angels on earth! 

Mission 99d Complete:

Lee K.'s 90th

Here's a note from her daughter:  Mom was so surprised by all the cards and love she received! She just could believe she received 441 cards and counting. She was celebrated with her church group and family! We are blessed to still have her!

Mission 99c Complete:

Al G.'s 74th

Here's a note from his friend:  Al received over 300 birthday cards from all over the USA.

Mission 99e Complete:

Donald P.'s 90th

Here's a note from his goddaughter:  I am writing on behalf of Donald Potter who celebrated his 90th birthday on September 24th.  He asked me to send a thank you to you and all the folks who sent cards to wish him well. Donald received 275 cards. He enjoyed receiving and reading each and every one.  He said he's never been acknowledged for his military duty and appreciates all the kind words from all over the country.

He wondered why I asked him so many questions about his military duty and then the cards started to arrive and made him feel so good.

I thank each and everyone who made his 90th birthday extra special. There are so many thoughtful people left in this world and our veterans truly feel blessed to be acknowledged for their service to our great county.

Mission 97d Complete:

Bob R.'s 80th

Here's a note from his sister -and one from Bob:  To the entire gang at Janine's Team - - thank you, thank you, thank you! My brother's 80th birthday party was truly unforgettable! He was bowled over by the cards and the realization that 252 people from all over the United States cared enough about a guy who served way back in the 60's! Below is his thank you message.  A small party took place in CT and my niece face-timed me in FL so that my husband and I could watch Bob's reaction ... there wasn't a dry eye anywhere! Everyone was crying! Thank you again and again for making this gift a truly memorable occasion! And thank you for the work you do! We are SO appreciative!!! 

From Bob: I was truly amazed when my daughter presented me with 252 birthday cards for my 80th birthday! My most sincere thanks to all of you for recognizing my service to our country. If you haven't already, please urge friends and relatives to join "Janine's Team" and touch a Veteran's heart the way you have all touched mine. It was an honor to serve, and your appreciation and respect is something that I will remember forever. Words can't express my deepest thanks.

Mission 99a Complete:

Liam's 15th

Here's a note from his family:  A big thanks to all who sent cards and gifts to Liam. Handmade and hand-painted cards showed love and caring. Envelopes were decorated , and the hand written messages were so uplifting. He received over 300 cards! Thank you all for the outpouring of love.

Mission 98b Complete:

Arlene H's 95th

Here's a note from her friend Joanie: As of Wednesday Sept 6th, Arlene received 280 cards. I told her don't be surprised if they keep coming. She was amazed by all the beautiful cards she received especially the 'Quilted Post Card'.

Mission 97c Complete:

Bob F's 74th

Here's a note from him:  Hi, this is Bob and I just want to thank everyone for sending me such nice cards for my birthday and thanking me for my service. I was totally blown away, brought some sadness, but it brought a lot of happiness to think there’s still people that love this country we're in and looking out for the vets again. I just can’t express how much I appreciate you taking the time out of your day to do that for me. God bless you all and will talk to you later maybe, bye and God bless the USA. Thank you.

Mission 97e Complete:

Frank's 95th

Here's a note from his daughter: The whole family had a good time with Dad’s birthday cards! He received over 250 of them from most states. The great grandkids got in on the action by creating a map of the states where the cards came from. States in color are ones that sent cards and the kids stuck pins in them as the cards were coming in. 

Dad had a great birthday and everyone was touched by the outpouring of love. The creativity and heart-felt messages in the cards made this a birthday he will always remember. Our family is forever grateful. Thanks to all!

Mission 96b Complete:

Thomas' 90th!

Here's a note from his daughter:  He was so humled and proud and wishes to thank you all! He received 406 beautiful and sentimental cards from as far away as Korea and Puerto Rico. He made a chart to log where all his cards came from! THANK YOU EVERYONE!!!

Short Notice FB Mission

Richard's 100th

Here's a note from his daughter: He has had a great day , with opening all of his mail, having a small party with friends, and enjoying time with his family on this blessed day.

His friends asked how he made it to 100 . He replied “ I don’t drink or smoke & I don’t chase women.“

I want to thank everyone who sent him cards & letter ….plus a rare $2 bill . It has truly lightened his birthday up!

Short Notice FB Mission

Jim's 95th

Here's a note from his daughter:  We want to thank you and your followers for all the birthday wishes sent to my Dad. Everyday while opening the cards he kept saying “I don’t know what is happening. I have never received this many birthday cards.”. He would look at them over and over.

Me and my brothers are so blessed to still have him in our lives. He is a great role model. Thank you all for the joy you gave to him for his birthday.

Our local news station visited and aired a segment on him. Here is the link to watch.