Douglas County names 101-year-old World War II veteran as first inductee into the county's hall of fame

Staff Sgt. Howard A. Berger served three years in World War II and an additional 50 years overseas.

Douglas County commissioners named a 101-year-old World War II veteran to be the first inductee into the county's newly created hall of fame Tuesday.

Staff Sgt. Howard A. Berger served three years in World War II and an additional 50 years overseas.

Berger, with much energy and a smile on his face, left a room full of people at the Douglas County Government building laughing after telling powerful stories ending in a punchline.

"I find that by telling stories like they do, people enjoy it, rather than the sad story," Berger told The Denver Gazette after commissioners and the community inducted him into the Douglas County Hall of Fame.

"I am very humbled by that action, because it was a big surprise."

Berger, as an 18-year-old Jewish man living in the Bronx in New York, enlisted into the Army following the attack on Pearl Harbor. He joined the Army in 1942 with his brother. After the war, Berger decided to stay in Europe and serve overseas.

"It was really nice to really honor me and honoring lots of soldiers all over the world," said Berger, who had fellow veterans escort him inside.

Berger resides in Denver, where his late wife is buried in the Fort Logan National Cemetery.

Douglas county commissioners have long emphasized recognizing veterans, "no matter where you hail from in Colorado," commissioner Abe Laydon said.

"Douglas County will always be a place where we honor veterans and those that have sacrificed for their country."

Berger is the first inductee to the Douglas County Hall of Fame, which will "honor people making a difference," Douglas county spokesperson Caroline Frizell said.

"You are definitely here among us and still an active man."

Commissioner George Teal, a Desert Storm veteran, told Berger.

"On behalf of all of our brothers and sisters that have come after you and attempted to live up to the service levels that you and your generation established for this country."

Berger also created the “Over 90 Charitable Gift Annuity Plan,” allowing charities to pay higher rates of return on charitable gift annuities, another way he enjoys providing smiles.

"He brought truly a lot of joy to the men and women who are serving overseas," said commissioner Kevin Van Winkle.

"I enjoyed my tours overseas," Berger said. "It let me go and bring joy to the troops and their families. That was one of our missions: teaching soldiers to just be happy and controlled so they can enjoy life."

Berger left the audience with one bit of advice: "Be friends and help people."

That, Berger said, reflecting on his life, "was a successful mission."