Gary Musser has spent a lifetime saying yes to adventure. Whether serving aboard a Navy aircraft carrier, traveling the world with his late wife, riding bicycles through the countryside or simply stopping to appreciate a sunrise over the ocean, he’s always believed life is meant to be experienced. Today, as a resident at Ecumenical Retirement Community in Harrisburg, that outlook hasn’t changed. His adventures simply look a little different.
“I don’t want to miss much in life,” Gary says with a smile. “You know, I’m 81 years old, and I look at it this way; I’ve had a good life. I was fortunate to see a lot of the world and do a lot of things that a lot of people never get the chance to do. But I’m still living, and there are a few more adventures left in me.”
How did the Navy influence Gary?
Long before settling into retirement, Gary built a life centered on service and curiosity. He served four years on active duty in the U.S. Navy, spending two of those years aboard an aircraft carrier. His years stationed in Spain also left a lasting impression.
Although he left active duty at age 21, civilian life never quite replaced the camaraderie he found in the Navy. “I missed the military,” Gary says. “After about 13 years, I told my wife, ‘I’m going to look into the reserves.’ I ended up serving another 16 years.” Gary and his late wife made the most of military space-available flights, traveling throughout the United States and overseas.
“I would have never seen Hawaii without that benefit,” he notes. “We went three times. We also traveled to Germany, Greece and other places.”
One trip home from Hawaii produced a memory he’ll never forget. “We were on an Air Force refueler coming back, and the boom operator asked if I wanted to watch them refuel an F-15 over Kansas,” Gary recalls. “He told me to bring my camera. That was the coolest thing I ever did. The fighter jet was so close I could hardly believe it.”
Why did Gary choose Ecumenical Retirement Community?
After health challenges began to slow him down, Gary knew it was time to make a change. Diagnosed with spinal stenosis and coping with two torn rotator cuffs, the active lifestyle he loved became increasingly difficult.
The conversation that ultimately led him to Ecumenical came from someone he trusts completely, his son Jason, a physician assistant who has been caring for patients at the community for more than two decades. “He told me, ‘Dad, you can look around, but I’m telling you, this is a nice place,'” Gary points out. “He knows I’m a country boy.”
“What I liked about this Harrisburg location is that it’s kind of secluded,” he explains. “You have a country feeling, and in five minutes you can be anywhere.” That peaceful setting quickly became one of his favorite features.
“When I walk out the door, I don’t want to hear trucks shifting gears and all kinds of noise. I want to be able to relax. Here you have a Harrisburg address, but it feels like you’re in a neighborhood. You’re in the city, but you’re kind of not.” It’s exactly the balance he was hoping to find.
How is Gary making new friends and building relationships?
Today, Gary’s adventures are less about boarding airplanes and more about embracing each day where he is. Although walking long distances has become more difficult, he refuses to let physical limitations define him.
“I used to be a biker,” he says. “Now I can only walk about 10 or 15 minutes before I need to sit down. I’ve got an electric scooter, but honestly, I don’t use it that often.”
Instead, he stays connected by doing something he’s always enjoyed; meeting people. “I’m not a loner,” he emphasizes. “I belong to the American Legion and the Moose Lodge. I’ve always liked being around people.”
At Ecumenical, those opportunities come naturally. “With one new friend, we play pool on Mondays,” he says. “It’s just a good way to meet some neighbors.”
He appreciates knowing there is always something happening if he wants to participate. “There are a lot of activities here,” Gary notes. “And the people are so nice. You meet a lot of good people from all walks of life.”
Then Gary pauses and smiles, saving what he calls the best part of his story for last.
“I’ve been here a year and a half,” he says. “Last Christmas, I broke up with my girlfriend. But then I got lucky. I met someone here, and we’ve been together about five months now. We connected right away.”
It’s a story that perfectly captures Gary’s outlook on life. Even after setbacks, there are always new friendships to make, new experiences waiting around the corner and unexpected joys to discover.
For Gary Musser, that’s the secret to living well. “I just feel like people should jump on chances a little bit,” he advises. “You never know where they might lead.”