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photo by Marcus Frazier
Ninety-five-year-old U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen., retired, Grover Brown chuckles as he tells war tales during a Saturday afternoon barbecue with daughter Keri McCullen and family friend Claude Rucker.
Two-star general trades boot camp for backyard
Published Monday, April 21, 2008
Natchez— After 31 years of retirement, it was no surprise to find retired Maj. Gen. Grover Brown, 95, relaxing with family and friends when the Dart landed on Dana Road late Saturday afternoon.
A two-star general at the time of his retirement, Brown served in the U.S. Air Force after 31 eventful years that took him all across the world, including into royal palaces.
When he was serving as a part of the military attaché to the U.S. embassy in London in the 1960s, Brown went with war hero Jacques Whitney to present Whitney’s credentials to Queen Elizabeth II.
“They put us in one of those carriages pulled by those big horses and we rode it down the street,” Brown said. “They told us to march in, and the queen was standing in line with her entourage. We shook hands with her and curtsied, and she was as gentle with us as she could be — we were pretty nervous.”
Brown looks back at his time in England fondly.
“It was a tour of duty I had great fun with,” he said. “It was three years of service a country boy from Natchez rarely gets.”
But Brown also served in some posts that were not so fun.
“I went to Hawaii ready to have a good time, but then we had that big confrontation in Vietnam,” he said. “My boss decided we were at war, so he strapped a buzzer onto my belt, so that was the end of my fun.”
During that time, he made several trips into Vietnam, including one with a very close call.
An enemy combatant sneaked close enough to where Brown was staying to hurl an artillery shell — of which Brown still has a piece — into the camp.
“My buddy who was there had gotten up to use the bathroom, and while he was gone that shell came through and blew his bed all to pieces,” Brown said. “One of the pieces of it flew over and hit the wall right above my head.”
Brown also served during the Korean police action and World War II, but there is one piece of his service he remembers with a particular distaste.
“I spent 12 years working at the Pentagon,” he said. “It was awful.”
When he retired, Brown said he and a friend drove across the country to find a place to retire to, making a trip from Florida to California and back.
After the countrywide tour — and having seen the world — Brown said he and his friend came to a retirement decision.
“We propped up our feet, and a drink, and said, ‘There’s no place like home,’” Brown said.
Comments
Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on April 21, 2008 at 3:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
We're glad that you came home Grover. Thank you for your service.
Posted by jd (anonymous) on April 21, 2008 at 6:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Good job Natchez Democrat. This is a nice story. It boosts patriotic moral.
I’m related to “Uncle Grover” through marriage. Never had the opportunity to meet him, as I now live out of state.
I’ve heard lots of stories and plan to see him in the “back yard” soon.
Posted by JECS (anonymous) on April 21, 2008 at 7:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
My congratS to the general, and I wish your retirement will continue to be great, because you deserve it. Being a Vietnam vet-wounded- two times in Tet of 68 I want to thank you for your service sir. It has been said that my comments are insipid, but I do know that without our service we would not be able to enjoy the freedom that we as a whole enjoy. THANKS AGAIN SIR.
Posted by redusmfan (anonymous) on April 21, 2008 at 7:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Great story.
Posted by gottabehappy (anonymous) on April 21, 2008 at 8:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
95 and looks incredible!! He'll be around a long time. Wish we knew what he does to not only live so long but so WELL!
Posted by BULLDOG72 (anonymous) on April 21, 2008 at 8:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Maj. Gen. Grover Brown is one of the finest men I have ever known. Grover, when my mother Dorothy, my dad Donald and my brother Michael were laid to rest you were always there with for me with your wise words and kindness and I shall never forget all you have meant to me and my family. Now of course only I am left but I send all of our love. God Bless you. Don C.
Posted by kpage1 (anonymous) on April 21, 2008 at 9:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Another excellent story from the Natchez Democrat! I'm honored to read about Maj. General Brown and only regret I couldn't have met him personally.
BULLDOG72...Your post said a thousand words! We see even more into someone's life when folk like you post your comments. I wish I knew this guy. I have a feeling our world is a better place because of him.
Posted by dixiemama (anonymous) on April 21, 2008 at 10:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Great story! We need to hear more stories from our older generation of veterans.
A big salute to you Maj. Gen. Grover Brown & thank you for serving our country.
Posted by frogprincenessntz (anonymous) on April 21, 2008 at 11:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
JECS...hats off to you too and thanks for your service.
On a lighter note, you can see in the photo the secret to his longevity...fresh tomatoes and one is just right for frying!
My husband also served. Saw many places across America, including Alaska, over a year in Hawaii, and then the jungles of Southeast Asia and all the other places to get there and back and the R&R. When he got home, he said he did not need to go anywhere else, as this was the best place of all he had seen.
Welcome home, Sir, welcome home.
Posted by Medora (anonymous) on April 21, 2008 at 11:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This was the perfect story. My grandfather is such a wonderful man, he's my hero. He's a General through and through. When my grandmother suffered from a massive stoke 16 years ago, they pressed on. His heart is full and his spirit is strong. He's devoted to his wife and family. He's the best! I am grateful to have them in my life. I LOVE YOU POPS! Love, Love Medora
Posted by JECS (anonymous) on April 21, 2008 at 12:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thanks frogprincenessntz. Thanks to your husband also.
GOD BLESS.
Posted by drawpaintsing (anonymous) on April 21, 2008 at 2:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
God Bless you, Mr. Grover!
Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on April 21, 2008 at 2:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
A True Patriot! We need more like him!
Posted by fire39212 (anonymous) on April 21, 2008 at 3:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What a wonderful story!!!
Posted by overthehill60 (anonymous) on April 21, 2008 at 3:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Medora, tell your Grandfather what wonderful man we all think he is.
Posted by joylovegracehunt (anonymous) on April 21, 2008 at 4:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Maj. Gen. Grover Brown and his wife Marguerite have inspired me my whole life. I am proud to call them my grandparents.Pops, as I know him, has lived an exemplary life. He has taught me so much, to enjoy life and value family. He has taught me virtues not by speaking of them,but by living them. I cherish the stories and conversations we've shared, and I'm glad he had the chance to share with others through this article. He is a wise and thoughtful man with a great life story. I am so glad the dart landed on him. When I think of the word, hero, I think of him, that says it all. If anyone deserves the spotlight- they do. If I were to say they've had a life well lived that would be an understatement. The legacy they leave is one of greatness. I love them more than words can say, and my daughters love hearing stories of their great grandparents. Thanks for telling one more in this article. He is a great man, a veteran, and a pillar of strength in our family. Thanks for writing about it. Love y'all love,love-Joy
Posted by joylovegracehunt (anonymous) on April 21, 2008 at 4:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
congrats,we love you so much pops!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
your family in Naples!!!!!!!!!!!
ella,annalynn,~!!!!!
Posted by drcusmc (anonymous) on April 21, 2008 at 9:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
thanks for your service
Posted by texasranger (anonymous) on April 21, 2008 at 11:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thanks for giving so much of your time,so we can enjoy this land. We have so so much to be thankful for. I and i,m sure others take our water,air,cars,homes,good friends,our freedom to go and do and say as we please, too lightly sometimes. Thanks for standing guard while we and our children could sleep safe at night. I served during Vietnam and some of my close friends never returned.I always pass by their graves and say hi. Their can never be enough praise for the military men who give so much. I,m glad you can relax and prop up for a while...thanks...
Posted by sammohon (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 7:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
His decorations include the Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal with four oak leaf clusters, Army Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster and French Croix de Guerre with Palm.
Wow! What a man, with the experience, decorations and all of his family's and friend's commendations as well. Truly an American hero and a great man.
Thank you for your service General!
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