An “unsung hero” in Albany, GA. Silas (Si) Barnes served his country under the most difficult of times. At the age of 90, with a list of military honors from Bronze Medal Star, Purple Heart/Gold Star, Prisoner of War, WW II Victory medal, and a continuing list, Si Barnes could have finished out his “golden years” sitting around, telling war stories. And yes, he will sit down with anyone and give you a military history lesson that surpasses any history book. However, Si has helped hundreds of people that have lost their homes, loved ones, and material possessions because of natural disasters. For fifteen years of volunteering with the American Red Cross, Si has helped people get back on their feet.

Who would expect that on a hot, humid day in Southwest Georgia, with temperatures moving well into 100 plus degrees, you would find a 90- year old, retired Marine building ramps? Through one of SOWEGA Council on Aging programs, RSVP(Retired Senior Volunteer Program), Si and a group of volunteers builds ramps for people with disabilities that need to have a way to get in and out of their homes? Well, then, you haven’t met Si Barnes.

Hard work has always been a way of life for Si. In 1936, Si admits that he lied about his age to get into the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps). He was 14. People didn’t have any money, no jobs, and he needed to help his family. He got paid about $30 a month, which was pretty good pay.

At the age of 18, he joined the Marine Corps. Si was at Corregidor in the Philippines when the Bataan Death March became known as the place where Americans and Filipinos were looted, beaten, bayoneted, beheaded, and run over by trucks. In 1942, Si became a Prisoner of War and was deemed Missing in Action. For three years, his family didn’t know whether Si was even still alive.

Even with all the horrors that this young man endured at a time in life, when teenagers are usually having the times of their lives, Si was dealing with horrible POW conditions. However, Si did get released and love smiled on him. After a three week courtship to Ellen Evans, they married and have been together for 66 years. Now, that’s love. Their dedication to each other is an inspiration to any married couple.

Si retired as a Master Sergeant, from the Marines , after 21 years of service. After working until retirement age a second time at the Marine Corps Logistics Base in Albany, GA, Si had “earned” the right to truly enjoy retirement, as some people would say.

Silas Barnes definitely went from a Young Boy, To a Fighting Man, To a Dedicated Community Servant. Anyone that gets up early to build ramps at the age of 90 is truly an “unsung” hero. He has never sought attention for what he does to help others, and it would be great for him to get some recognition for the nation that he honorably served and sacrificed to protect.