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DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (FOX 35 ORLANDO) - A 100-year-old World War II veteran is spending his days volunteering at the Daytona Beach International Airport.
World War II veteran Howard Turner, who just turned 100-years-old, is a volunteer at the Daytona Beach International Airport. His dedication and zest for life is contagious and turns the heads of many hurried airline passengers.
Howard has been part of the volunteer ambassador program at Daytona Beach International Airport for the past seven years. He spends about 12 hours a week at the airport answering questions on everything from the taxi schedule to pointing out the restrooms.
More than 35 volunteers, all senior citizens, donate their time at the Daytona Beach International Airport. 88-year-old Marylou Lehner has done so for 27 years. She told Fox 35 that working with Howard is part of what makes this job fun.
"Old people, and I can say this because I am one, tend to be cranky. Howard is nevery cranky. He always has a sweet word for everyone. Everybody loves him. He is just a delight," Marylou said.
Howard was born in March 1919, when Woodrow Wilson was president and prohibition was just beginning. He got married and three children, who went on to give him four grandchildren. He also served during World War II.
Fox 35 asked Howard if he still had any friends that served with him. He said "No, no. They're all gone. When you get to be 100, you don't have many left."
Recently, airport staff threw Howard a 100th-year birthday party. Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood also honored Howard for his community service.
Howard told Fox 35 that the secret to long life was "clean living" and "laughter." He did admit though that he has a cocktail in the evening.
Howard said that he will volunteer at the airport as long as they will have him. When asked what he has planned for his 101st birthday, he laughed and said "that'll be coming up. I don't know."