OKALOOSA ISLAND—In an act that surprised no one who knows him, WWII Veteran Bill Zell dedicated his 92nd birthday party to veterans past, present and future.
Foregoing gifts, Zell asked the many friends who attended his party at the Elks Lodge Sunday to donate funds toward the Veterans Tribute Tower. The memorial is planned to be built at the Beal Memorial Cemetery.
Zell sits on the Veterans Tribute Tower Memorial Inc. board of directors. He's also active in numerous veterans groups, including the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion.
"My recommendation to everyone over 80 is to join organizations and get active," Zell said. "Honor the flag. I have this saying, 'duty, honor, country.' "
That credo held true for Zell throughout his life.
In 1942, he enlisted in the Navy after the attack on Pearl Harbor. The destroyer escort he was assigned to, USS Farquhar, destroyed two submarines during the war. He was later part of the Allied Force occupying surrendering South Pacific islands.
After the war, Zell joined the Army Air Corps. He retired as a chief master sergeant 30 years later.
He went on to work for Okaloosa County, becoming the head of the planning and zoning department.
Ever since meeting his wife on a dance floor in Colorado Springs, Colo., the two have spent more than 50 years together.
"I've had a wonderful life," Zell said.
Felix Ramos first met Zell decades ago. The two had a lot in common, in particular, their status as veterans.
"He's a man with a heart of gold," Ramos said. "There's nothing he wouldn't do for anybody, especially if they are veterans.
"You can't ask for a better friend."