FIVE THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT: John Casey

Tara resident Ret. Brig. Gen. John Casey spent 28 years in the U.S. Army. A senior parachutist and senior aviator with more than 500 combat flying hours, Casey’s distinctions include the Combat Infantry Badge, four Legions of Merit, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, 23 Air Medals, a Meritorious Service Medal, a Joint Service Commendation Medal, two Army Commendation Medals, the Purple Heart and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Bronze. Learn more about him in our candid Q&A.

1. HOOSIER AT HEART: Casey was born in Noblesville, Ind.

2. SIMPLE SUPPER: When it comes to food, John Casey most enjoys a simple man’s meal: meat, potatoes and gravy. “I grew up in a basic Irish family,” he says.

3. SENSORY OVERLOAD: The roar of helicopters damaged Casey’s hearing, and he now wears a hearing aid.

4. MUSIC MAN: Casey likes “elevator” music best. His favorite station is 101.5.

5. WATER WORLD: Casey began sailing while a soldier stationed at Ft. Bragg. His sergeant major said he’d been working too hard, gave him a book about sailing and told him to go try it. “I fell in love,” he says. “As a soldier, you wouldn’t think I’d be a sailor, but it’s very relaxing and very demanding. I got bigger and bigger and finally got to my pride and joy, Pegasus, a 32-foot sloop.”