100-Year-Old WWII Veteran Celebrated for Service, Community Impact

At his 100th birthday celebration, World War II veteran Howard Mautner received honors and tokens of appreciation from local officials, including a proclamation from U.S. Rep. Kat Cammack and a flag flown over the state Capitol. Supported by family and friends, Mautner showcased his enduring spirit and shared his military experiences as an air traffic controller in Europe during the war. His dedication to community engagement and political activism were also recognized, highlighting his unwavering passion and influence within his residential community in Ocala, Florida.

World War II Veteran Celebrates a Century of Life, Honored for Service and Community Impact

On April 27, Howard Mautner, a nonagenarian veteran of World War II, was celebrated by an assemblage of dignitaries, companions, and family members at a special event held at the Villas at Spanish Oaks Social Center, marking his 100th birthday.

With a resonant and unwavering voice, Mautner led the attendees, numbering over 150, in the Pledge of Allegiance, his words echoing the unwavering patriotism that has defined his life. Adorned in an American flag jacket, he embodied the spirit of the nation he had once served with honor.

Eight members of the esteemed Marion County Memorial Honor Guard, clad in their formal attire, presented a majestic color guard for the momentous occasion. Later, they encircled Mautner, extending a heartfelt hand salute as a token of reverence.

Diane Benjamin, in her invocation, extolled Mautner's virtues, recognizing his wisdom, community involvement, and compassionate nature. Congresswoman Kat Cammack, representing the United States House of Representatives, bestowed upon Mautner the title of "true patriot and American hero."

Presenting Mautner with a special proclamation and an American flag flown over the US Capitol, Cammack praised his exceptional memory and expressed her admiration for his unwavering spirit. She presented him with a challenge coin, symbolizing his lifetime of service and dedication.

Cammack acknowledged Mautner's remarkable recall and swagger, remarking that she aspired to possess similar qualities. "I am in awe of you," she stated, expressing her gratitude for his military service.

Joining the celebration, State Representatives Stan McClain and Ryan Chamberlin presented Mautner with a flag that had graced the state Capitol, acknowledging his profound influence on the community. Ocala City Councilman Jim Hilty Jr., a fellow veteran of the Vietnam War, presented a proclamation honoring Mautner's milestone birthday, along with a commemorative pin and a key to the city.

County Commission Chairwoman Michelle Stone, accompanied by her spouse Charlie, presented Mautner with yet another birthday proclamation and attached a lapel pin to his jacket.

The celebration, hosted by the Villas at Spanish Oaks Home Owners' Association and catered by Mojo's restaurant, provided an occasion for Mautner to be the first to enjoy his culinary choices, expertly served by Dora Hopkins, his regular server at Mojo's.

Numerous veterans' organizations, including Marion County Veterans Services, Marion County Veterans Helping Veterans, and Friends of Marion County's Veterans Park, were represented at the event, adding to the sense of camaraderie and support.

"Can't thank you enough," Mautner expressed, his voice filled with gratitude for the outpouring of honors.

Mautner's niece, Leslie Chandler, and her husband, Russell, traveled from Boulder, Colorado, to witness the momentous occasion. "He's hard to keep up with," Leslie remarked, describing her uncle's boundless energy. Russell Chandler compared Mautner to the Energizer Bunny, symbolizing his unwavering vitality.

Jeanette Schnorrenberg, a close friend, described Mautner as "very gifted" and praised his unwavering commitment to the community. MYMHCommunity.com acknowledged his political activism within the 76-acre, 55-plus community in northeast Ocala, where Mautner has resided since the 1980s.

Currently living independently with some assistance, Mautner's commitment to personal autonomy remains evident. His granddaughter, Lisa Strickland-Paul of Laurel Hill, Florida, accompanied by Evelyn Pierson, attended the celebration. Linda Schultz, Sandra Desenso, and Richard Bell, present at the event, were described as helpful and supportive friends who have played a crucial role in Mautner's life.

"We are like family. We love him so much," Schultz declared, reflecting the deep bond shared within the group. Richard Rice, a fellow Vietnam War veteran, shared a table with the honoree.

Born on April 28, 1924, in Rockford, Illinois, Mautner moved to Madison, Wisconsin at the age of eight, according to a biography provided by Todd Belknap of Marion County Veterans Helping Veterans. The biography credits Kay Lerner of Southeast & Country Club Living Magazine for the information.

Joining the US Army Air Corps at 18 in 1942, Mautner served as an air traffic controller, then known as control tower personnel. His service took him to Europe, including Naples and Vienna, his father's birthplace.

Mautner's late brother, Richard, served as a B-25 pilot during the war. Mautner completed his service with the rank of staff sergeant in 1945.

Returning to civilian life, Mautner joined the family shoe store business and married Alma in 1968. The business closed in 1974, and in 1979, the couple retired to Lake Alfred, Florida.

In 1980, Alma and Howard Mautner relocated to the Villas at Spanish Oaks. After Alma's passing, Mautner met his second wife, Ruby, in 1986, and they married two years later. Ruby passed away in 2007.

Family members indicated that Mautner had a stepchild from each marriage. He is also the proud grandfather of one grandchild, one great-grandchild, and one great-great-grandchild.

Marion County Tax Collector George Albright, who has known Mautner since 1988, praised his unwavering activism within the Villas at Spanish Oaks, which Albright described as one of the highest voter turnout areas in the county. Albright attributed the large attendance at the birthday celebration to the "love and admiration" people have for Mautner.

As the gathering concluded, Mautner expressed his deep appreciation for the honor and recognition bestowed upon him. His unwavering patriotism, dedication to community, and extraordinary life journey continue to inspire those who have the privilege of knowing him.