Giving Back Magazine June 2018 | Page 19

After losing their spouses, Neil and June met and later married in 1994. June was already herself a dedicated philanthropist, and Neil inspired her with his dedication and commitment to serving the country’s military service men and women. When Neil and June learned about significant expansion needs for the USO at the Airport, they were there for USO San Diego. At 93 years old, Neil still visits the USO Airport Center when he can. Bobby Woods, Sergeant Major, Marine Corps (ret.), Director of USO Neil Ash Airport Center, shared with Giving Back Magazine, “When Neil speaks to groups of service members, he kneels and thanks them. It is this single, sincere, act— something I have never seen before—that humbles me and every service member present, every time; Neil and June will always have a very special place in our hearts.” “My son calls me every time he arrives at the USO in San Diego. There are no words that can explain my relief when I hear his voice. I know he is safe and the USO will be kind to him and give him food. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.” ~ A letter from a mom of a Seaman stationed in San Diego www.usosandiego.org June and Neil Ash JUNE 2018 | GBSAN.COM 19