IRON MOUNTAIN, Mich. (WZMQ) – John Moddie, a WWII veteran and Prisoner of War (POW) in the Battle of the Bulge, is happily celebrating his 100th birthday this week.
On Wednesday he was joined at the Oscar G. Johnson VAMC by staff, friends, and family, gathering in celebration with music, cupcakes and plenty of photos. Moddie also received a presentation of federal recognition from Representative Jack Bergman and Senator Elissa Slotkin’s office.
Staff say Moddie’s presence is well received by everyone each day, still able to live his life to the fullest.
“He’s one of a kind,” said Katie Maxon, chief of voluntary services and public affairs for the Oscar G. Johnson VAMC. “Just this past week, he went to the fairs with us, both Dickinson County and U.P. State Fairs. So he gets out and does things, still walking, talking and functioning, all on his own, really showing us what it means to be full of life at 100.”
As many veterans of WWII have passed on, Moddie continues to share his stories, keeping the legacy of our heroes alive.
“As World War Two veterans die, the only way we keep them alive is to continue to tell their stories. For John to be so open and share his, both in the military and his experience of coming home to this community, it’s a wonderful rite of passage that gives us the opportunity to just keep them alive as long as possible,” said Maxon.
When asked about his secret to a long life, Moddie said, “I don’t know what I do, but I drink milk three times a day with my meals.”
As he turns 100, John Moddie remains a living reminder of a generation that shaped history, and the price paid for the freedoms enjoyed today.
