POWERGRAMS

3 Canada, and New York. "In Canada, we tied up to a pier, which was unusual, because we usually anchored outside of ports," Casey said. "We stayed there 10 days. The people of Quebec opened their arms to us — of course, we brought a lot of money in for them — but they were great, just fantastic people." Casey said that while being in the Navy had its ups and downs, it was "a great learning experience that taught me great discipline that has served me well." After two years in the reserves and being honorably discharged in 1967, Casey was eligible for military honors, including the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for the Cuban Crisis and Good Conduct. "I never filed for them: I'm kind of low-key," he said. "It was my privilege to serve this country and not for the country to serve me." Casey returned home to Montgomery, went to work for a short time with an appliance company, then applied for a job with Alabama Power and was hired by Yancey Waters. Casey began working as an appliance repairman in 1971 in Demopolis under the supervision of Julian Hardy. Casey eventually returned to Montgomery in appliance repair and spent a great amount of time in communications under Marvin Salter before retiring in 2002. Casey's sister, Elaine Acker, had retired earlier as a Human Resources analyst after 42 years in Tuscaloosa. "I'm grateful for Alabama Power and what they stood for and for allowing me to make a good living," Casey said. Casey and his family have always stood for America: He and two brothers had a combined military service of more than 40 years. Older brother Howard Donald Casey was a lieutenant in the Marine Corps who died in August 2014. Younger brother James Milton Casey, of Jacksonville, Florida, retired as a lieutenant colonel after 25 years in the Army. "That was one thing Mom and Dad were proud of, that we were willing and wanted to serve," Casey said. "And the best warriors we had were Mom and Dad and sister Elaine back home, always praying for us and those serving." By Chuck Chandler From top left clockwise, Casey at far right receiving a letter of commendation for performance of duties; his dog tags from service; in dress blues winter uniform going ashore on liberty; and being promoted to 3rd class petty officer. Below, Casey leaves bunk for security duty on USS Randolph. Photos by Phil Free

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