#VeteranOfTheDay Army Air Forces Veteran Alexander Gus Spanos

Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Army Air Forces Veteran Alexander Gus Spanos. Alex served during the second World War.

Born in 1923 to Greek immigrant parents, Alex would fly for the first time at age seven. This flight would spark a lifelong dream of becoming a pilot; in 1942 at the age of 18, Alex would join the Army Air Forces. Though he would not become a pilot, Alex would still serve his country in WWII as a B-29 tail gunner.

Upon leaving the Army, Alex would attend two years of college and go to work for his father. Unsatisfied with his work, Alex would quit and start a business selling bologna sandwiches in bulk to feed field hands. After finding great success in this business, Alex would move on to real-estate, where he would turn his self-made fortune into billions. This success enabled him to make his most notable business endeavor, purchasing the Los Angeles Chargers of the National Football League.

After a long life, Alex passed away on October 9, 2018 at the age of 95.

We honor his service.

Nominate a Veteran for #VeteranOfTheDay

Do you want to light up the face of a special Veteran? Have you been wondering how to tell your Veteran they are special to you? You’re in luck! VA’s #VeteranOfTheDay social media feature is an opportunity to highlight your Veteran and his/her service.

It’s easy to nominate a Veteran. All it takes is an email to newmedia@va.gov with as much information as you can put together, along with some good photos. Visit our blog post about nominating to learn how to create the best submission.

Graphic by Tenzin Chomphel. Tenzin is an undergraduate junior at the University of California, San Diego, studying International Politics