HomeMy WebLinkAbout4/11/2012 - STAFF REPORTS - 00 Trrfifiratr of x� tax t
City of Palm Springs
CALIFORNIA
MICKEY SHEPARD graduated from high school in Bridgeport Connecticut,
followed by studying engineering at the University of Missouri in St. Louis.
In June 1941, Mickey joined the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC), was
assigned to the infantry and was immediately promoted to the rank of Corporal. On
December 7, his world dramatically changed and following rigorous testing at
commando school, he became a Second Lieutenant. Upon completion, he was sent to
Hawaii, later to the Solomon Islands, ending up in Guadalcanal, where many of his
friends were killed in action. In September 1945 he returned home with the final rank of
Captain.
When Mickey returned to the United States, he continued giving of himself to
others. It was love at first sight when he first visited Palm Springs. In January 1985, not
long after their relocation, Mickey's wife was diagnosed with cancer and she passed on
shortly thereafter. In order to help overcome this huge loss, Mickey started volunteering
at the Desert Regional Hospital taking charge of the East Tower desk, along with patient
relations.
Mickey was overjoyed when asked to head up a volunteer group for the
Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC), which was a new business in town, and continues
to oversee their volunteer services, now located at El Mirador Medical Plaza on the
campus of Desert Regional Medical Center.
Mickey was chosen as Palm Springs' recipient of the 2012 Senior Inspiration
Award, which was recently bestowed upon him at their Annual Awards Luncheon. This
prestigious event recognizes individuals over 70 years of age who, after a lifetime of
community involvement, continue to actively donate time, encouraging other seniors to
maintain active lifestyles and participate in community efforts.
On behalf of the citizens of the City of Palm Springs, California, I am honored to
recognize MICKEY SHEPARD, a valued and respected resident of the City of Palm
Springs, and express appreciation for his exceptional contributions to our community.
Thank you, Mickey.
Presented this 11'' day of April 2012.