On a normal day Howard Tyler can be found listening to big band legends Glenn Miller and Duke Ellington on Amazon Music, but not Monday, March 20. It was Howard’s birthday. The WWII veteran turned 100.
Born March 20, 1924 in New York, Howard served in the European Theater 18 months during the war. Serving his country from March 1943- March 1946, he was a combat Military Policeman escorting POW back to the main MP headquarters. He played saxophone and clarinet in the military band appearing in USO shows.
After serving in the Army, Howard returned stateside receiving a Mechanical Engineering degree from Cornell University. He was married on September 9, 1947 to his best friend Peggy; they had three children Sharon, Wendy and David.
Like so many young families they relocated several times with Howard’s job in engineering. While working with Carrier A/C Tyler was part of the team that developed the first window AC unit. In 1959 Howard and the family moved to the sunshine state Clearwater Florida, building a new home and working for Honeywell. The next stop was back to New York and then New Jersey retiring from Westinghouse in 1989. After retirement Howard and Peggy bought an Airstream Travel Trailer and a Chevy Suburban so they could travel ending up at Southern Charm over 30 years ago in Zephyrhills
Fast forward to 2015 when Howard took part in the Honor Flight to Washington DC, where his son David and daughter Sharon surprised him sharing the moment.
When asked how it feels being 100 Tyler said not much different than being 99. State Senator Danny Burgess stopped by to wish Howard a happy birthday and thank him for his service. Both Howard and Danny have served in the United States Army. Cliff Moffett from the Zephyrhills Museum of Military History and a WWII historian showed up with Hell on Wheels, his military Scout vehicle. Several of the guests took a ride around the park.