By Gerry Berger, Special to Independent Newsmedia

American Legion Post 94 honored one of its own, Legionnaire Wayne A. Danker, for 70 years of service to the organization at a May 4 ceremony at the Sun City West Foundation, 14465 R.H. Johnson Blvd.

Affectionately known as “Doc,” Mr. Danker attended college at Iowa State University, where he received his degree in veterinarian medicine after his military service and became a veterinarian. He was dedicated to his profession for more than 40 years and is an honored member of the American Veterinary Association.

Doc met his wife, Lanie, in 1952 at the university and they are married for more than 62 years. They have four children, two boys and two girls, as well as nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren, who live on both coasts.

Mr. Danker joined the Army Air Corps in 1943 and was trained as a radio operator in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and as a gunner on the B-17 Flying Fortress. He went to Yuma, Arizona, for gunnery school, where he had his first ride on the B-17.

“I liked the B-17 much better, but at high altitude, flying in the B-29 was better because it was pressurized against the extreme cold,” said Mr. Danker.

He was shuffled around to various air bases stateside, finally winding up at Tyndall Air Base in Panama City, Florida, which was a replacement base. While at Tyndall, he and his crew were transitioned to the newest bomber, the B-29 Superfortress.

“As soon as my military service was over, my father, a World War I veteran, and my mom, a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, marched me to the local American Legion post and made me a member,” Mr. Danker said.

That was 70 years ago and in those years he has been an active member, who has served in many positions. In that time, Doc has been a member of only three posts. When he and his wife moved to Sun City West after he retired, he transferred to Post 94. His last elected position was senior vice commander of Post 94.

“After high school, I joined the Army and if I had not done that, I do not know what would have become of me because I was a rather cocky kid,” Mr. Danker said. “The army helped me to become responsible and was my apprenticeship into manhood.”

Editor’s Note: Gerry Berger is commander of American Legion Post 94.