By Alaina Denean  Deshazo | The Selma Times-Journal

Seymour Cohn was stationed at Craig Air Force Base in 1941 when he met his wife June.

After some time away for her college and his military career, the two got married and later settled in Selma where they built a life together.

Now, Seymour, who will turn 102 on Dec. 16, is having that story told in the book, “If I Live to Be 100.” The book interviews centenarians across the country about their lives and outlook on life.

Rick was contacted by Allison Milionis, the author of the book, asking if he was the son of Seymour. Paul Mobley, an assistant to Annie Leibovitz, a famous portrait photographer, did all of the photographs in the book, and he let Rick know that they had picked his father to participate.

Rick said his dad is no longer able to communicate, so he and his mother talked with Milionis for the feature.

“My mother loved the fact that he was going to be in this book. It just so much appealed to her that he was going to be recognized,” Rick said.

In December of 2015, June passed away, so Rick decided to move his father to an assisted living facility in Manchester, Vermont, to be closer to him.

Rick recently got his hands on the book, and he and his wife Carol took the book to Seymour for him to see. Rick said that although they are not sure what his dad can understand at this point, that he became very emotional after seeing the book.

“When we showed him the book … he cried,” Rick said. “But he sobbed. He was very, very emotional when he looked at the book. We showed him the pages about him, the photographs.”

Rick said he believes his dad probably remembered having the photographs taken, bringing back a flood of emotions.

“He was quite, quite emotional,” Rick said. “I’m guessing that he remembered at least some about his having posed for his photographs.”

“I thought it was justifiable that he would appear in the book. I felt great about it,” Rick said. “But my mother was just beside herself. She just loved the fact that my dad was getting this attention and she thought it was an honor.”

Rick said although his dad is not mentally well, his health is good and he expects him to be around much longer.

“He’s in great health, he’s getting great care,” Rick said. “So I think he’s got more years ahead of him. I don’t think we’re at the end of his long life.”