06/08/2026
Spotlight Member of the Week: Joe Mikel
This week, we are proud to recognize Joe Mikel as our Spotlight Member!
Joe has been attending the Opp Adult Activity Center since 2001 or 2002, making him one of the longest-tenured members of our center family. Over the years, he has become a familiar face and a valued friend to many who walk through our doors.
Joe's favorite activity at the center is our Exercise Class. In fact, he firmly believes the Activity Center and its programs are a big reason he remains in such good shape today.
Outside of the center, Joe enjoys gardening and yard work, and many of our members know him as someone who loves to share. He often surprises everyone with delicious treats he has prepared, bringing smiles to members and staff alike.
What Joe enjoys most about the Activity Center is the camaraderie. The friendships, fellowship, and encouragement he finds here have made the center an important part of his daily life.
Originally from Brantley, Joe attended school in the Burnt Out community. His wife was from Curtis and attended school in Opp, which is ultimately how they made Opp their home.
Something many people may not know about Joe is that he married at the age of 17 to a "older woman" who was 18 years old. Together they shared 65 wonderful years of marriage and raised three children, two sons and one daughter. His family has continued to grow through the years and now includes grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.
Joe also has an impressive military background. He retired from the United States Army in 1979 with the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4. During his service, Joe attended flight school and became a helicopter pilot before continuing his training in fixed-wing aircraft.
Joe served four tours in Vietnam and was stationed at several locations throughout his military career, including Fort Benning, Georgia; Mineral Wells, Texas, where he attended flight school; Fort Sill, Oklahoma; and Hawaii. Among the aircraft he flew was the Chinook helicopter, a role that required tremendous skill, dedication, and courage.
After retiring from the Army, Joe began a second career at the Opp Cotton Mill, where he worked in the supply room for 25 years. His dedication to hard work and service continued long after his military career ended.
Joe's commitment to service, strong work ethic, and positive outlook on life are inspiring to everyone who knows him. His willingness to share his stories, friendships, and even his homemade treats make him a treasured member of the Opp Adult Activity Center family.
We are grateful for the many years Joe has spent with us and look forward to seeing him continue to be an active part of our center.
Congratulations, Joe, on being our Spotlight Member!
