Wichita WWII veteran celebrates his 100th birthday

WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — While many continue to celebrate our nation’s independence this weekend, the Martin family of Wichita is also celebrating the 100th birthday of its patriarch.

Not only is this former accountant turning 100, he’s also a member of “The Greatest Generation.” He’s a veteran of World War II. KSN even featured Martin during our Veteran Salute back in 2019.

Park West Plaza on Wichita’s west side has been planning this party for a while. An Honor Guard stands by in a hallway. A roomful of family, fellow veterans, and Park West Plaza residents wait in a large room for the birthday boy to make his entrance.

Richard Martin, with the aid of a walker, scoots through the door. He’s greeted with cheers from the assembled crowd. It’s his big day his 100th birthday.

“It’s just pretty amazing that my dad’s 100 years old, and his long life just changed the dynamic of our family because we just spent so much more time together than we would have if he hadn’t lived that long, and this whole experience is just wonderful that he’s been honored this way,” said Martin’s daughter, Heidi Houseman of Colorado.

A pianist plays The National Anthem, and everyone in attendance stands and salutes the stars and stripes.

“I can’t believe all these people are here, but it’s great. It’s wonderful,” said a surprised Martin.

So, how does it feel to reach the century mark?

“I don’t know if I can put something around it. It just happens,” said Martin. “No secret. Just keep coming and going.”

Members of Wichita’s American Legion Post 4 present Martin with a Challenge Coin and invite him to visit their post. They also precisely fold an American flag, explain the reason for every fold, and present it to Martin.

So, what does he think of all this fuss?

“I think he’s wondering why we’re doing so much. In fact, he just told me that. So, he says he doesn’t really get it, but he’s enjoying it,” said Jeff Martin, one of Richard’s seven grandchildren. Jeff says he was inspired by his grandfather to join the United States Marines Corps.

Martin graduated from Wichita East High School in 1942. He was drafted at the age of 18 into the Army Air Corps.

Martin was assigned to the bombardier’s seat of a B-29 and saw action in the Pacific Theater during World War II. His crew flew out of Guam and dropped bombs on Japanese oil refineries.

“I thought it was a great plane. I had a great crew. A ten-man crew,” recalled Martin.

“We’re very proud of him. I’m just always very proud to tell people that my dad was in World War II and made it home,” said Houseman.

A few years ago, Martin returned to the bombardier’s seat for a ride in Wichita’s beloved B-29 DOC.

When asked about his three years of service during the last great war, Martin says he’s never given it much thought.

“It’s something that just happened. I had a good crew and a good bunch of people, and we wanted to come back, and we did,” he said.

“As far as what he means to our family, I’d say that the biggest thing is the faith that he passed down to us, which was huge,” said Jeff Martin. “He was just kind of a cornerstone of faith for our family. So that’s the biggest thing.”

Big faith and a big birthday cake.

“I wish I had a bigger appetite. Look at the size of that baby!” Martin said with a laugh.

And a big day of honor and happiness for the Martin family.

“It’s just a lot of joy and a lot of memories,” said Jeff Martin. “He’s a very involved grandfather, and he’s definitely a patriarch. So, it’s just a great celebration.”

“I couldn’t ask for a better dad,” said Houseman.

The celebration continues this weekend. Family members from six states are coming to Wichita for another, bigger birthday party on Saturday.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV.