Story Summaries
Enjoy this peek into the true stories you’ll find inside The Million Dollar Educations, an anthology available for purchase as an eBook or paperback.
The anthology is fully illustrated with 58 photos and illustrations.
Family History of a World War II Navy Bomber Pilot
My father shared many stories of how his ancestors came to settle in Michigan and of his time growing up in Flint, Michigan. This account covers the period before he became a WWII bomber pilot in the US Navy.
My Million Dollar Education as a World War II Navy Pilot
I’m proud of my father. When WWII broke out and foreign adversaries threatened our freedom, he put his civilian life on hold and joined the military. He also valued education and teamwork, so when it was time to fight, he was prepared to lead a group of men effectively into battle.
An Amazing Vietnam Survival Story
In 1968, the Vietnam War was raging. The United States Army needed someone who could operate a bulldozer, and Barry could. They assigned him, the only American, to a unit made up of Cambodians and a few Australians in a remote jungle region.
The Special Gifts from a Rich Guy
I was twentyin 1974 and home from college on spring break. Living in Ann Arbor was expensive, so I found a lawn and garden maintenance position that would last for a couple of weeks and start immediately. I would work for a man named David
A Brave American at the Voting Booth
The year was 1975, the first time a black man was running for mayor in Flint, Michigan. Bill was between semesters at college and was back home in Flint, where, out of curiosity, had signed up to be an election worker.
Thanksgiving and Smartwatches at the Children’s Home
It was Thanksgiving Day, and I was working as a volunteer to serve dinner to children at an in-house treatment center. I recalled the director's comments. “One of our goals is to provide an environment that is less clinical by inviting outsiders to come in for special occasions.” I was thankful for helping to make it happen.
Fishing for Love
I was eight years old and our family was up north camping. My older brother was out fishing with Dad. I was sitting at the picnic table, staring out at the water, wishing I were with them. Usually Dad took me with him, but this time he said, “We are going way out. You need to stay at the campsite.” And there was no arguing with Dad.
Spearing and Dipping
Dad was an outdoorsman and adventurous, so when his Native American friends invited him to experience a new method of fishing, by spearing and dipping fish from a stream at night, he agreed and brought my older brother and I with him
Trombones, Butter Knives, and Mini Golf
I was in fourth grade, and my older brother was learning to play the trombone. I loved that trombone! I marched around the basement with my chest puffed out and shoulders back, alternating playing and singing. “Seventy-six trombones in my big parade. Besides the trombone, I also loved playing miniature golf with my friend.
