YORK COUNTY, Pa. — John Wolfe has lived in West York for most of his 98 years.
He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1943 and served through the end of World War II in 1945.
He worked as an engineer and continued his passion in aviation after his service.
“Today you can’t find anybody interested in World War II, it’s past history,” Wolfe said.
It was June 2024 when Wolfe got an unexpected letter from a very young patriot after participating in a Wish of a Lifetime from AARP.
“My mom had to call but when I figured out, he said ‘yes’ I was really happy,” said Theodore ‘TJ’ Hake.
The 7-year-old has a passion for history and World War II.
“It’s the most disastrous war and has the most casualties,” Hake described.
He’d never met a World War II veteran in-person, but after seeing Wolfe’s story on the news, Hake just had to meet him.
“We appeared together at the Columbia VFW, his mother took me to, there’s a World War II museum in Gettysburg, so we were together there.,” Wolfe recalled.
The rest is history.
“I’m happy to spend today with him, because guess what? Today is supposed to be a school day,” Hake said.
The pair have seen each other several times since.
Wolfe will share stories about his time in the service and answer Hake’s questions about World War II.
“You never know when you’re done,” Wolfe said.
Hake even dressed up as Wolfe for Halloween.
Staff with Country Meadows of York, Wolfe's place of residence, couldn’t be happier than to watch their friendship blossom.
“It has just awoken something within so many people here, to see the young children come in and be interested again in, not just the veterans, but the seniors in general,” said Bonnie Geisinger, Director of Dynamic Living.
For Veterans Day, Hake gifted Wolfe a pair of matching red-white-and blue shoes so they can always match even when apart, proving friendship can span generations.
“I love John, I love every single bit of him,” Hake said.
Wolfe will celebrate his 99th birthday in December.