Sixty-one-year-old James D. Randles saw much on the battlefields of Vietnam and his decades in the U.S. Army. So much, in fact, that he earned three Bronze Stars and the Purple Heart.

But the battle hardened war hero has found some of his most powerful inspiration in an unlikely place: His 91-year-old mother-in-law, Ironton resident Agnes Lightner.

Lightner, a longtime Irontonian known for her good nature and charm, is still sharp as a tack with a wit to match. She put those talents to work when she penned a personal story that her niece helped title as “Never Give Up.”

The story spins the tale of a close-knit southern Ohio family that has been together through times of joy, sadness and all stages in between. Agnes recounts how she and her husband stayed together for more than 40 years, overcoming physical illnesses and personal tragedies to live a faithful, rich life together.

“(It was) 1984 when my husband passed on to his Heavenly home,” she wrote. “I am still living in our home. God hovers over me and gives me the strength and will power to press on.”

Agnes was honored by the Area Agency on Aging for her effort and passed the tale along to her daughter, Jerolyn, and her husband, James.

James was moved by the story. When he was elected the national commander of the Military Order of the Purple Hearts, an organization that serves 38,000 American soldiers who have been wounded in combat, it was a natural choice for him to draw upon the essay.

The soldier read the work at the national convention and adopted “Never Give Up” as the theme for the upcoming year.

Agnes may not be as spry as she was in those younger days but that doesn’t stop her and sister Irene Wickline from hitting the town every afternoon. Most days the duo can be found at the Ironton Senior Center laughing it up and enjoying life.

Not one to be idle, Agnes still line-dances with the best of the class and looks for other ways to stay involved in the community she loves so much.

“Start early doing for others and this habit will last a lifetime,” Agnes wrote. “Love is the key to a good life. Never underestimate your ability to do things right and always strive to make each undertaking a success all through life.”

Agnes’ strength belies her tiny, aged body. She is the perfect illustration that true strength comes not from physical stature but from what is on the inside.

Michael Caldwell is managing editor of The Ironton Tribune. To reach him, call (740) 532-1445 ext. 24 or by e-mail at mike.caldwell@irontontribune.com.