World War II veteran hero celebrates 100th birthday with helicopter ride – recalls moments from his service

It is truly an honor to be able to be in the company of the men and women who served in the second world war. Putting their lives in great peril for mankind is the ultimate sacrifice.

It is only fitting that we celebrate these heroes as much as we can!

Museum President and CEO Clayton Anderson (NASA Astronaut Ret.) was on hand to wish former US Army Air Force pilot Bob…

Posted by Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum on Saturday, June 4, 2022

Bob Reisser, flew dozens of missions across Germany during the second world war. The veteran recalled his days in the army serving in the war perfectly as he toured the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum.

He was able to see the B-17, B-29, and B-36 planes housed in the facility which reminded him of his specific missions during the war. The war veteran’s plane was named “Heaven Can Wait” because he had the rare achievement of not losing a single life in any of his flights!

The hero veteran who also executed humanitarian missions by airlifting food to people starving in the Netherlands got a ride in a helicopter ride as a gift for his 100th birthday!

He was given a ride in the helicopter back to Elk Ridge Village, a senior living community where he has been residing since 2007.

“That was a treat,” Reisser said with a twinkle in his eye, about the helicopter ride!

Museum President and CEO Clayton Anderson (NASA Astronaut Ret.) was on hand to wish former US Army Air Force pilot Bob…

Posted by Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum on Saturday, June 4, 2022

During World War II in May 1944, the veteran married his wife Katherine Poole. The couple had two children together and 57 years of marital bliss before she passed away. At age 85, Reisser remarried Kathryn Wozny, who has since then passed as well.

His son Kurt said, “he’s got a great sense of humor, he’s a good sport and he’s in amazing shape for 100.”

The veteran maintains a very active lifestyle packed with social activities. He has three sessions per week of bowling on a Nintendo Wii. He also enjoys weekly singing with other residents in his senior living facility.

Tony Damewood, executive director at Elk Ridge Village said it’s hard not to love Bob, “Everybody knows Bob, and everybody is a friend of his.”

Museum President and CEO Clayton Anderson (NASA Astronaut Ret.) was on hand to wish former US Army Air Force pilot Bob…

Posted by Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum on Saturday, June 4, 2022

Another wonderful present the 100-year-old veteran received was the honor of becoming a Nebraska Admiral which is the highest honor in the state and can only be granted by the governor. Reisser was nominated for the honor by other residents.

What an amazing 100th birthday for a truly deserving war hero! We wish Bob Reisser a very happy birthday!

Share this war heroes story to inspire people that age is truly just a number; one must be young at heart!