It takes a lot to impress a 103-year-old World War II veteran who landed on the beaches of Normandy. Alabama head coach Nick Saban pulled it off earlier this month when he surprised the American hero with a call.
WVTM 13’s Rick Karle reported Major Wooten’s encounter with Saban and posted video of the scene on his social media accounts on Thursday.
Watch:
Here is what Karle wrote:
Major Wooten (yes, Major is his first name) is a World War II hero from Cullman who is in hopice, his heart giving out after what has been a wonderful life. Back in the 40’s, Major Wooten landed in Utah Beach and helped liberate hundreds as he marched through France near the end of the war.
One of Mr. Wooten’s dreams has been to meet Coach Nick Saban- his planned meeting with the coach was dashed weeks ago when COVID-19 hit. His chances of meeting the coach dwindled, as his days were numbered.
It looked as if Mr. Wooten would leave us last Saturday. As his family huddled and prayed, something amazing happened: Mr. Wooten climbed back, and God gave him another chance to talk with Coach Saban.
Yesterday morning came the call: It was the the UA Athletics department!
Could it be? Could Nick Saban be standing by to talk to this hero?
The answer was “yes”, and soon after that call, Mr. Wooten and the coach were chatting (click the video to hear the conversation) alongside family members in Alabama and Florida.I pray that Major Wooten has many days remaining, but if he leaves us soon, he will leave us content in knowing that he served his country, he loved the Alabama football team and just when he thought it would never happen, he chatted with Coach Nick Saban.
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