Local US Marine celebrates 100th birthday

KSBW ^ | Mar 29, 2021 | Alani Letang

[nickcarraway]

He's been around long enough to serve in World War II and in Korea, and on Sunday this local Marine celebrated his 100th birthday.

It was a surprise birthday celebration for U.S. Marine Lt. Col. Robert Boeddiker. He was joined by family and friends as well as the color guard from the Naval Postgraduate School and the Defensive Language Institute.

"I'm feeling really good. Right now, I'm honored. I feel good," said Robert.

Robert turned 100 years old on March 28, with a military record going back almost as far. He first joined the Marines when he was 20 years old at the beginning of World War II. After the war, he went to guard prisoners of war in Japan. His youngest son, Bill, said he also went to China as part of a U.S. Marine Corps prison recovery.

Robert came back stateside where he started a family and raised seven children. The colonel was called back out to serve in Korea before finally serving another 15 years of active reserve duty.

"It has made my dad so happy, he's over the moon," said Bill.

The Marines presented the colonel with birthday gifts. They also read him a very special letter sent by the Commandant of the Marine Corps, General David Berger, the most senior general officer in the U.S. Marines.

"Very rarely do we have this opportunity. The greatest generation of World War II, there is fewer and fewer each year. It's a very special opportunity to come out and see Col. Boeddiker and wish him a happy birthday," said Col. Randy Pugh, Naval Post Graduate School Senior Marine.

"Bob really stands out in my mind as a true leader ... hell of a man, hell of a fighter, really inspirational," said Dave Potter, son-in-law and mayor of Carmel.

[A Navy Vet]

Happy Birthday Marine. Thank you for all your service and sacrifice.

[Fiddlstix]

Happy Birthday Marine
Thank you for your service
God Bless