101-year-old WWII veteran takes to skies over New Jersey
HILLSBOROUGH, N.J. (PIX11) - It's one heck of a way to spend your 101st birthday.
"I love the view," said Donald Stern, a World War II Army Air Corps veteran.
It's no B-17 Flying Fortress, the bomber Stern served on as a bombardier and navigator in the 1940s, but on board a Cessna Skyhawk, he still got to spend his big day in the sky.
In his time in the Army Air Corps, Stern flew 32 combat missions, the last one coming the day before his 22nd birthday. Just shy of 80 years later, he's at the controls again.
Flown by a fellow veteran, Stern took off from Central Jersey Regional Airport in Hillsborough, after a ceremony honoring Stern and unveiling the airport's newly paved runway.
With 24 miles of visibility, it was a perfect day to fly to Manhattan and circle the Statue of Liberty.
"It's just kind of wonderful," said Donald's oldest son, Howard. "Who else lives to 101? Not very many people." We've been blessed to still have him at this age his sense of humor, I hope that stays with him forever."
Before returning to his home at Brandywine Living at Princeton, stern offered a secret to making it to 101:
"Be sure to eat three meals a day."