LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A Kentucky World War II veteran recently crossed a major milestone, celebrating his 100th birthday among family, friends and fellow veterans. 

Damon Hawkins, a Marine veteran who served in WWII and the Korean War, was recently honored with a special parade outside Christian Care Communities in Middletown, where he lives. His son, Todd Hawkins, worked with members of the KILROY military vehicle club to bring a jeep parade to the facility for his father’s birthday.

During the event, Damon and other veterans living at the facility were able to take a ride around campus in retired military vehicles. Some, including Damon, even had the opportunity to get behind the wheel. 

“That jeep during the war, I had to learn to change the points in that in the dark,” said Damon. “That was a great highlight, going to World War II. I was on the last island to Japan when the war ended.”

One of Damon’s fondest memories of his time in the military is twice cruising underneath the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco onboard a Landing Ship Tank (LST). 

Damon, who lives by the mantra “keep going”, is always on the go and known for being very active. He walks daily and stays busy doing woodworking, often creating things for other residents at Christian Care Communities. 

“I walk two miles every day from this place all the way down to that highway and back. Been doing that for 30 years,” said Damon, adding that his commitment to “keep going” is his secret to a long life. 

“He is a firm believer and lives by that motto to keep moving and never give up and I think he learned a lot of that in the Marines because he had no choice,” Todd Hawkins said. “At that point, you either kept moving or you didn’t make it out.”

The birthday celebration ended with cake and a veteran recognition.