Happy Birthday, Lord Shiner! 100 Years Young

he is affectionately called by the Top Ladies & the Top Teens of America) into the United States Army. Not by his choice, but he served honorably for 2 years and 8 months and 21 days. At the end of World War II, PFC 1st Class Calvin Shiner made the decision to leave the military during a time when:

1: Men of color were treated in a disparaging manner

2: In the time he served, his unit 1328 Engineering Construction Battalion (all Black) was never given furlough or leave.

Back to Texas Mr. Shiner went. After working odd jobs Mr. Shiner landed a job at the Naval Air Station in Corpus Christi, Texas. In 1958 former President David Eisenhower, under a reorganizational process, closed the Naval Air Station in Corpus Christi. Lord Shiner was relocated to North Island Air Station here in San Diego, California in April of 1959.

He liked the city and took roots. In 1964 he joined Calvary Baptist Church, where he still currently attends. Mr. Calvin retired from North Island Air Station and began yet another career which lasted 18 years at Del Mar Racetrack.

Lord Calvin has one daughter, Deborah and two grandchildren Rochelle & Barry. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren are an unmeasurable blessing. In 1996 Mr. Calvin married Lawrency Gauthier, a resident of Kilgore, Texas. Their union added two daughters and four grandchildren to the Shiner Family. Mr. Shiner is greatly loved by his children, grands, great-grands, cousins, nieces, nephews, neighbors, and friends.

He plans to continue his gardening, keeping up with current events and of course attending church. There have been so many things that have happened in Lord Calvin’s lifetime, but he never imagined he would be alive to witness the USA voting in a president of color and a female vice-president of color.

The best advice Mr. Reed and Mrs. Ella gave to their son was to: STAY OUT OF TROUBLE and the best advice he can give is: Be Obedient to the Cause and Get Your Education

Happy Birthday, Lord Shiner. Thank you for your service. Thank you for helping to make a way for the rest of us.