World War II veteran Merle Kalp is 90 years old, and suffers from an asbestos-related lung condition. But despite his age and waning health, Kalp took the time to attend a military ceremony for his great-granddaughter.

Maria Quatse wanted her great-grandfather to be the one to pin her newly earned Air Force lieutenant bars on her shoulders at her commissioning ceremony,.

Kalp served in the army during World War II, and was stationed in Okinawa when the atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Maria wanted to honor her great-grandfather’s service and legacy by inviting him to participate in her ceremony.

“There’s not many World War II vets out there anymore,” said Quatse. “I was happy I could have my own great-grandfather, who was a World War II vet, pin the bars on me. … I just think it shows the generations of the military members.”

Kalp said it meant a lot to him to be involved. Due to his failing health, he was worried he would be unable to attend the ceremony. Asbestos exposure can lead to asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma cancer, and as a result, Kalp’s health is in decline. In addition to bad legs, he has also faced a dramatic loss of lung strength in recent months. The poor condition of Kalp’s lungs is attributed to asbestos exposure from his career as a machinist.

The issue of veterans and mesothelioma cancer has long been a concern, as vets who served during the WWII-era and beyond and were exposed to asbestos during their time in the military are now developing asbestos illnesses.

When asked if he would be well enough to attend his other great-granddaughter’s graduation from West Point next year, Kalp stated “I don’t know if I’ll be around next year for West Point…These lungs are going to get me yet. I sure want to go there.”

Legal Disclaimer:

EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.