About 150 World War II veterans and another 250 family members and friends joined Carl Haupt and Angels on the Border for a luncheon Thursday.
Haupt is a WWII veteran who has written a book series set during that war.
The first book, βGary Gatlin: Reluctant Hero,β published by Dudley Court Press, is now available. The story came to Haupt in a dream and he hopes the book sales will fulfill his dream of helping those less fortunate.
No stranger to hunger, Haupt lived rough and on his own from the age of 15 until he joined the Navy in 1944. He has never forgotten those hungry years.
Since 1992, Haupt and his wife, Sarah, have been helping the poor in Agua Prieta, Mexico, by donating clothing, money, food and other goods and by helping to build homes. They started their charity, Angels on the Border, in 2019 to continue this work.
All royalties from Hauptβs books will go to fund the charity, so his desire to make the best-seller list is not a dream of fame and fortune, but the desire to leave a legacy that will help even more people.
The second book in the Gary Gatlin series is scheduled to be published in March 2020 and the third should follow in June or July 2020. The fourth should be out in September 2020.
The following year should see Hauptβs autobiography published. That should prove to be a good read to follow up the fiction series. Haupt has led quite a life and has even climbed Mount Kilimanjaro twice, while in his late 70s, to raise money for charity.
βGary Gatlin: Reluctant Heroβ is available at online booksellers and some local bookstores (call to be sure they have copies).
If you want to donate more than the price of the book to Angels on the Border, you can do so at AngelsOnTheBorder.org
Photo gallery: 148 World War II veterans gather for special luncheon
Photos: 148 World War II Veterans gather in Tucson for special luncheon
Veteran luncheon
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Everett Hodge, a 95-year-old World War II veteran reacts as Chelsee Hicks with The Manhattan Dolls sings over his shoulder during a World War II veterans luncheon at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Tucson, on Nov. 7, 2019. βShe must have liked me,β Hodge said after she walked away. The Army vet from Bloomington, Indiana landed on Utah Beach during D-Day and marched from France to Germany fighting in the Battle of the Rhine.
Veteran luncheon
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Paul Dickens Jr., a 94-year-old World War II Navy veteran, tears up during The Manhattan Dolls singing of "I'm Proud To Be An American" during a World War II veterans luncheon at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Tucson, on Nov. 7, 2019.
Veteran luncheon
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Sophie Yazzie, a 105-year-old World War II veteran who served in the Womenβs Army Auxiliary Corps, has her photo taken with the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base Honor Guard during a World War II veterans luncheon at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Tucson, on Nov. 7, 2019.
Veteran luncheon
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World War II veterans listen to the emcee during a World War II veterans luncheon at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Tucson, on Nov. 7, 2019.
Veteran luncheon
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Carl Haupt; a 93-year-old World War II veteran, aurthor and philanthropist; speaks during a World War II veterans luncheon her organized at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Tucson, on Nov. 7, 2019.
Veteran luncheon
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The Manhattan Dolls perform during a World War II veterans luncheon at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Tucson, on Nov. 7, 2019.
Veteran luncheon
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Denzel Clouse, a 95-year-old World War II veteran who fought in the Battle of the Bulge, talks with other veterans during a World War II veterans luncheon at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Tucson, on Nov. 7, 2019.
Veteran luncheon
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A goodie bag hangs from a walks during a World War II veterans luncheon at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Tucson, on Nov. 7, 2019.
Veteran luncheon
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Noah Comstock, 8, who came to a World War II veterans luncheon with the Southern Arizona Military Vehicle Collectors Club stands to the side of the ballroom at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Tucson, on Nov. 7, 2019.
Veteran luncheon
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A vet is escorted into the ballroom during a World War II veterans luncheon at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Tucson, on Nov. 7, 2019.
