While in Germany closing out World War II, or again in Korea as a member of the 3rd Infantry Division, Donald Paul of Palm Bay couldn’t have imagined how the history he was making would be remembered 75 or 80 years hence.

He might even have been surprised he’d be around the hear it.

Less than 1 in 1,000 people in the world live to 100. Retired Army Col. Donald Paul turned 105 this week.

RETIRED ARMY COL. Donald Paul celebrated his 105th birthday with representatives of Hospice of Health First’s Forever a Hero program. With funding from the Health First Foundation, Forever a Hero, now a Five Star-rated veterans’ recognition and aid program, honors veterans in a pinning ceremony.

Members of the Captain Charles F. Thomas IV American Legion Post were present, including Dana Jackson who presented Paul with a commemorative pin. Harry Pitts gave Paul a folded American flag, and the then the two men saluted each other.

Hospice Chaplain Woody Morrison held Paul’s hands while the room bowed heads for a collective moment of prayer.

Forever a Hero is now a Five Star-rated veterans’ recognition and aid program, according to the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization’s We Honor Veterans program.

The formal pinning ceremonies include the presentation of a folded American flag, an American flag pin, and a personalized certificate. Most also include a red-white-and-blue-themed blanket knitted or sewn by Love Stitches.

It is supported by the Health First Foundation. To consider making a gift to sustain Forever a Hero, visit HF.org/foreverahero.

READ the full feature in Florida Today HERE.

SEE the story on Click Orlando WKMG 6.

SEE the story on WFTV News 9.

SEE the story on Fox35 Orlando.

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RETIRED ARMY COL. Donald Paul with Kristie Meade, his Hospice of Health First Clinical Social Worker, at his Forever a Hero salute Feb. 8, 2024.