At almost 101 years old, Ralph Stern is pretty good at keeping up with things going on in his hometown of Seaman, Ohio. He is the last World War II veteran at Charles H. Eyre American Legion Post 633 in Seaman and a charter member of the post.

Recently, members of the post visited him at his home to present him with a certificate for his 75 years of Legion membership, as well as a plaque recognizing his many years of faithful service to Post 633 and the local community. Post members chatted with him for some time about books he was reading, all the spring farming activity and what was happening around town. He grew up on the family farm near Seaman and returned to farming after his military service. He and his wife of 67 years, Mary Brownley Stern, raised their two children on their farm. Mary passed away in 2015. In addition to farming, Ralph worked for the U.S. Postal Service for 23 years, spending his last eight years as the postmaster for Seaman, Ohio. He served in the Army as a radio operator. Upon his return home and with several other local veterans, he signed the charter organizing Post 633. He served as post commander from 1962-64. During his tenure as commander, the post paid off the mortgage on their building, providing a photo for posterity!

Ralph lives independently, but his daughter, Katrina Young, lives nearby. Ralph and Mary built a home in Seaman in 1992 after selling their farm on Nichols Ridge Road. Katrina visits every night to share dinner with her dad. Then, they watch some of their television favorites like "The Rifleman" and "Wheel of Fortune."

Ralph and Mary liked to travel, and they visited every state in the United States. He has fond memories of visiting the Ponderosa Ranch from the television show, "Bonanza." Ralph enjoys doing crossword puzzles and reading, especially books about World War II. He’s also a big fan of the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cincinnati Reds.

This past year, Ralph has received congratulations on his 100th birthday from Governor Mike DeWine and congratulations on his post charter membership from Senator Sherrod Brown and Senator J.D. Vance as well as State Representative Justin Pizzulli. In Ralph’s own words, “I have enjoyed my life. The Lord has been good to me.”