In front of his family and fellow residents at Ivy Park in Burbank, Stickley shared memories of his time serving during World War II, the Korean war and the Vietnam war. He had everyone's attention, recalling one battle he fought under a legendary general during WWII.
"I fought with Patton," Stickley said. "I got a photograph of him, and the picture of his grave. I was there when he died."
Stickley's grandson Alexander, who is also a veteran, said his grandfather was all about family, and sharing his military experience motivated him to enlist.
"But it's much different times now than it was then," Alexander said. "Hearing everything that he went through. and seeing how great of a sense of humor and resilient he is still to this day at 101 years old. is absolutely inspiring."
"Our generation, we've seen that in movies," fellow veteran Michael Montgomery. "We can only kind of understand what he went through, but to have a conversation and really hear what he went through is a totally different experience if you will."
The American Legion presented Stickley with a certificate of recognition and a commemorative pin.