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104 Year-Old Howard “Mac” Takes to the Skies

Howard “Mac” M. is a dedicated family man, a proud veteran, and a motorcycle enthusiast. The 104 year-old WWII Veteran resides at Brookdale Hamilton in New Jersey. His Wish of a Lifetime was to celebrate his service with the Civil Air Patrol by taking to the skies once again.

Mac’s interest in mechanics led to a 32 year career as a maintenance supervisor. During WWII, he was stationed at Fort Dix, where he supervised a team of mechanics and repaired all different types of Army vehicles. During the Vietnam War, as a radio operator, he relayed messages from troops to the home front. His dedication to our country and passion for machinery led to a long and successful career as an expert mechanic.

On his own time, Mac lived out his passion for motorcycles and cars by being involved with numerous auto racing and motorcycle groups throughout his life. The first time he rode a motorcycle was when he was 12 years old, and later in life, he was even part of a motorcycle polo team. Mac has three children, six grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. He’s lived in New Jersey since 1938, and today, at age 104, he wanted nothing more than to fly in a plane again after at least 20 years.

In partnership with the New Jersey Wing Civil Air Patrol, Howard took flight in a Cessna 182 plane at Trenton-Mercer Airport in New Jersey on June 12th, 2017. The day started at Brookdale Hamilton, where Mac was met by members of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, who provided Mac’s group with a motorcycle escort to Trenton-Mercer Airport. Before taking flight, Mac was awarded with a Congressional Gold Medal, as well as a commendation from New Jersey Congressman Chris Smith and an American Flag that was flown over our nation’s capital. Mac was accompanied by his nominator and Executive Director at Brookdale Hamilton, Jennifer Garcia, other Brookdale staff members and residents, along with his daughter Arline and his grandson Gary. Hamilton’s mayor, Kelly Yaede, was also in attendance. Mac was honored to have received the Congressional Gold Medal in addition to being acknowledged by an entire group of people for the sacrifices he made during WWII.
PHOTO CREDIT: Mackenzie Lane Photography

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June 12, 2017