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Garbo more than just a war heroBy Rob Siglereditoi@laurelleadercall.comSam Garbo is a war hero, but to his family, he is much more than that.He is a true inspiration to our family and to those that know him,” said his daughter, Pam Ishee.The love story between Sam and Fran-wcis Garbo began just as World War II was heating up.The two met while Francis was a student nurse and Sam’s mother was a patient in the Laurel hospital. They soon dated and were married before Sam shipped out to join the war effort.Sam, a member of the Corps of Engineers, was wounded just before the war ended in Europe. He received the Purple Heart and was sent to Camp She by where Francis helped nurse him back to health.Together they raised three daughters, while Sam worked for National Life Insurance Co. until his retirement.Sam won numerous awards while working, which included the trips that the two took. They traveled to Spain, Chicago and Acapulco. When Sam retired, they would work in the yard together, traveling to Florida, and going to the casino on occasion.But Five years ago, Francis, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Not long after, she was placed in hospice care because she was not eating. Six months later, she was released from hospice care because she had gained some of her weight back. She can still walk and is not on oxygen, but she has not talked for the last three years.Her mind is completely gone,” saidPhoto/ SubmittedSam Garbo holds the 11th great-grandchild born into their family as his wife Francis, daughter Pam Ishee. and granddaughter Toni Cockrell look on.Ishee, who nominated her father as an Unsung Hero.Sam, who is now 83, has devoted the rest of his life to her care, 24-7.He never complains and prays daily for God’s strength to do his best, said Ishee, who said her father takes care of her mother because she took care of him when he returned from the war.On June 28 of this year, Sam and Francis will celebrate their 65th weddinganniversary. Although Francis does not realize one day to the next, Sam will make it a special occasion for them both.“I le will do all he can for her to make the day special,” said Ishee. “He is just that kind of man and husband — a true blessing, a true gift from God.“I le will always be ‘my hero’ because of all he deals with on a daily basis, and deals with it with all his love, patience and kindness.”
Newspaper Details
Laurel Leader Call
Laurel, Mississippi, US
Fri, Apr 06, 2007
Page 19
Full Page
Clipped by
Dean R.
USA 17 Feb 2019
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