Bill S., 85, Newark, DE

William “Bill” Schaen joined the Navy in 1943 during World War II and retired in December of 1962.  He served as a sonar technician on five different vessels during that time. After retiring from the Navy, he worked in the naval sound laboratory in Connecticut for 20 years.  Schaen, who will turn 86 on April 26th, is still active in VFW Post 475 in Delaware and continues to serve as Quartermaster there.  His wish to stand on the deck of a destroyer like he did during the war was granted, thanks to the amazing crew of the USS Mahan in Norfolk, VA on April 10, 2012.  The crew went above and beyond in granting Schaen’s wish, giving him a full tour of the destroyer including the sonar room and sharing lunch with the Chiefs in the CPO dining space.  The crew also presented him with a birthday cake and a framed picture of the Mahan, signed by the crew.