Bob Short's goal is to win some victory for mankind. He has had that dream since he attended the public schools in Elkaden, the place of his birth.

He has a vivid memory of the banner across the stage in the auditorium, which proclaimed: Be ashamed to die until you have won some victory for humanity.

A resident of Wesley Gardens, Bob is pursuing two goals: a personal ministry and a career in music. By his request, he sits at the table in the dining room with three senior citizens. One of them is Miss Aleta Buck from Mobile and a former employee of the State of Alabama. The other two are Rose Neville and Mildred Montgomery, and they are a genial foursome as they enjoy three meals a day together. Always beginning with a prayer of thanksgiving, they also take turns reading aloud the devotional message printed on the backs of menus.

Miss Buck loves to ask questions, interminably, and Bob always answers patiently. He supervises the food service for all three, believing this to be a part of his personal ministry, which extends to other Wesley residents who have special needs.

Another primary interest Bob pursues is music. He is a member of and soloist in the Wesley Gardens Oasis Choir. A member of the Evangel Temple Church, he also sings in that choir. His musical interest extends to playing in the Shriners Band, directed by John Paul Jones. The Wesley Gardens ad in Prime Times pictures him with his favorite instrument, the tuba.

When I met with Bob for this interview, he was studying his sheet music, which he says is just as important as playing the instrument. He hopes to learn to play the harmonica.