When Roy (100) met Jack (13)

Resthaven Riverland Community Services client, Roy Nagel, is no stranger to the spotlight. Having featured several times in the local paper for his 100th birthday in 2015, and for his participation in the Department of Veterans Affairs ‘Reflections’ project, the WWII veteran is something of a local star.

But it was Roy’s story in the Pioneer newspaper in March that caught the attention of 13 year old junior army cadet, Jack, whose mother, Rita, is a Home Support Worker with Resthaven Riverland Community Services.

"When Jack saw that the article mentioned Resthaven, he asked if I knew Roy," Rita says.

"When I told him that I did, Jack said he would like to meet Roy, to shake his hand and thank him for his service."

Rita spoke with Resthaven Riverland Community Services Manager, Sandy Smith, about the possibility of Jack meeting Roy. Sandy contacted Roy and his family, who were more than happy for this to occur, and a meeting was arranged. 

Rita says, "The two met in April, where Jack fulfilled his promise to shake Roy’s hand and pay his respects for all that he had done for our country."

"Jack was very interested in Roy’s stories, as he had never met anyone who had been to war," Rita continues. 

"The fact that Roy is 100 years old just made his mouth drop!"

"Watching them smiling at each other was beautiful; not just because Jack finally met Roy, but because he doesn't have a grandfather. I think it was the first time in Jack’s life that he had really spoken with an older man."

"Jack really appreciated the opportunity to pay his respects to Roy, and is now more keen than ever for a career in the army. He wants to serve his country, just like Roy."

Rita couldn’t be more proud of her son, saying, "In days when most kids his age are showing very little respect for anyone, it is so good to see a young man doing something like this."

Click here to find out more about Resthaven's aged care services.