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Minneapolis VA WWII Veteran in the running for SilverSneakers Member of the Year Award

white frame with person with short, white hair standing behind a cake that says
“I loved the Navy,” said Marion Peck. “If they’d take a 101-year-old I’d be on an aircraft carrier tomorrow.”
By Melanie Nelson, Public Affairs Officer

WWII Veteran Marion Peck is a top ten finalist in SilverSneakers Member of the Year Award, and she’s asking for your vote.

Peck served in the U.S. Navy Women's Reserve, better known as the WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service) from 1943-1946 and spent her days dispersing payroll. “I loved the Navy,” said Peck. “If they’d take a 101-year-old I’d be on an aircraft carrier tomorrow.”

Peck gets her care at the Minneapolis VA and maximizes her fitness and wellness in her community. She attends classes about four times a week at the Le Sueur Community Center and is known for her enthusiasm and encouragement. 

This week she found out she was included in SilverSneakers 2024 top ten most inspiring stories, with the opportunity to be the national award recipient if she gets the most votes online. One of her first calls was to her VA to ask her doctor and fellow Veterans to throw a vote her way. 

“Marion has been a delight to care for,” said Dr. Alisa Duran, women’s health medical director at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center. “She has actively participated in her health over the years, as her goal was to get to age 100 so she could get the letter of recognition from the President. She easily met that goal, and I’m not surprised she’s a top ten finalist.”

Peck's commitment to health and fitness is nothing short of remarkable. Even after undergoing a knee replacement at 100, her resolve to stay active did not waver. Her presence serves as a powerful reminder that age is no barrier to living a vibrant life and her can-do attitude inspires others to embrace movement and overcome their own obstacles.

Her story of inspiration goes beyond her fitness tenacity and military service. Peck met the love of her life in the Navy. She lost him about 40 years ago, but never stopped living life to the fullest. She’s visited 72 counties and says she’s “having a ball with life.”  She says she’d love to earn the title of SilverSneakers Member of the Year and “put Le Sueur on the map.”

The top 10 most inspiring stories are currently online collecting votes through June 28. 

"Over the past 20 years, the SilverSneakers Member of the Year Awards have shone a spotlight on the incredible resilience and determination of our members," said Hill Ferguson, CEO of Tivity Health. "These award winners serve as powerful reminders that age is no barrier to achieving your best-self and living life to the fullest. We can't wait to celebrate the inspiring stories of our 2024 nominees."