WWII, Korean war veteran celebrates 100th birthday in Gulfport

GULFPORT, Miss. (WXXV) — Reaching a century of life is a milestone few ever see, but, a war veteran is celebrating just that.

This is a big day for veteran Todd Wendler, as he is celebrating his 100th birthday. Family and friends came out to the Armed Forces Retirement Home to honor him.

Now, Wendler says he does not know the secret to living to 100, but he is grateful to have made it this far and have the opportunity to celebrate the milestone with his two daughters and a room full of friends.

Wendler is part of the small percentage of living veterans who served in World War Two. He spent his life serving in the Navy, Army, and Airforce, and also went on to fight in the Korean War.

His daughter says the irony in celebrating her father’s 100th birthday is that he never believed he would make it this far, but he always joked that he would. Multiple people at the centennial celebration described Wendler as a kind man who always has a smile on his face. He says he’s grateful for the time he has been given.

Wendler’s 100th birthday is not just a celebration of age, but of legacy.