Be around good people.
George Dane
If you ask George Dane for one piece of advice, you'll get three. But pressed to choose one motto, the 85-year-old will tell you simply: "Be around good people."
"Find out where the good people are," Dane said.
For Dane, that happened by staying in Iowa City and having his family close by. Life is richer surrounded by people who love you, he said.
One of the most profound experiences in Dane's life occurred while he was deployed overseas during World War II. He jokingly described it as an "all-expense paid tour of Western Europe," but also soberly talked about the 65 young men from his high school class who never returned home.
"I didn't know them all, but I knew most of them," Dane said. "They never had a chance to do anything for the community, to have jobs, kids. They were cut in their prime. So as long as people thought I was capable, I wanted to give something back."
As a result, Dane spent more than three years in active duty and another 30 years in the Army Reserves. He also helped organize the Military Affairs Association of Johnson County to assist veterans.
Aside from the military, Dane said he has tried to serve his church.
For eight years, he led the finance committee for First United Methodist. He became the first chairman who was not a minister.
Although he moved into Oaknoll Retirement Community several years ago, Dane hasn't been able to sit still. He said he can't help but "tinker" and continues to find things to fix or try to improve.
Reflecting on his life, Dane said the most important standard has been one thing: "'Did you do the right thing when it's the right thing to do and not because someone is peeking over your shoulder?" he said.
Dane said he hoped he passed the test.
— Hieu Pham
