108-Year-Old WWII Veteran Given Chance of Lifetime Gift by NFL Star
It’s always nice to see people using their position and talents for the greater good. There’s nothing inherently wrong with doing things for the sake of doing them, but when you use your means to bless the lives of others, the world is a nicer place.
It also helps when what you have to offer is exactly what the person you’re gifting to wants or has never had a chance to experience.
Lawrence Brooks of New Orleans was born in September of 1909, making him 108 years old. He’s had a long and interesting life, including his service during World War II.
For his birthday, Brooks went to visit the local WWII museum. He was treated to a performance that aimed to bring him back to his days in the army.
More recently, Saints defensive end and Walter Peyton Man of the Year nominee Cameron Jordan had a surprise for the veteran. The two spoke over Facetime, and Jordan gave Brooks the good news.
Jordan awarded Brooks with two tickets to this year’s super bowl. Brooks has accomplished a lot in his life, but this is one event he’s never had the pleasure of attending.
“It just made that much more sense that he had never been to a Super Bowl to give something to him,” Jordan said. “As blessed as I am, I love that I can try and bless other people.”
Brooks is an avid Saints fan, and Jordan was hoping he’d be able to see his favorite team play. That would have been the cherry on top — but alas, it is not to be.
“We wish we would be in the super bowl, but honestly I think we have a great shot at it next year,” Jordan said to Brooks when they spoke.
“I really wanted to give him tickets and have the Saints be there. I definitely saw that in our plans, but it is what it is,” Jordan said.
“But again, everything he did way back in his younger days just to be able to say he’s 108,” he added. “He’s still a huge Saints fan. That’s love.”
During the war, Brooks served in the 91st Engineer Battalion. It was almost entirely composed of African-Americans, and they were stationed in New Guinea and the Philippines.
Brooks was responsible for tending to the three officers in his battalion. He was required to clean their uniforms, make their beds, and make sure they had everything they needed.
When he got home, Brooks married and worked as a forklift operator until 1974, when he retired. He was 95 when Hurricane Katrina devastated his hometown.
Now, he’s headed to the Super Bowl for the very first time. Hopefully, he’ll get a chance to go again next year, and see his Saints play in person.
Thanks, Cam Jordan, for recognizing Brooks’ service and giving such an amazing gift. We hope it’s everything he’s dreamed it would be!
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