<body><div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1FRx5V_1H1WCcnT00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1FRx5V_1H1WCcnT00" width="1200" height="876" >Justin Kawaler’s movie date with a girlfriend was interrupted on Dec. 7, 1941: The Japanese had bombed Pearl Harbor and the United States was at war. Kawaler, then 20 and living in his native Brooklyn, told his girlfriend while still in the theater, “I’ve got to get into this, and I’m going to fly.”And he did.Too young to immediately join the Army Air Corps, Kawaler joined the Army with the goal of transferring to the Air Corps. And he did, eventually becoming dual-rated as a flight engineer and pilot, flying B-29 bombers and training new pilots.“It was my honor to serve my country. But it wasn’t just me, I would say my whole generation, the spirit in those days, the spirit in the barracks, the spirit. Nobody ever complained. It was just a wonderful, wonderful thing the way the whole country came together,” Kawaler said in a video interview available at usawarriorstories.org.After the war, Kawaler returned to New York and turned his family furniture business into multiple successful furniture stores and real estate properties. Later, he formed the Kawaler Family Charitable Foundation so he could give back to the community that had helped him become so successful. The foundation supports organizations in New York and Key West, where he now lives.In 2020, following the death of his first wife, Evelyn, Justin Kawaler married Eileen. Their combined family includes two sons and two daughters and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Eileen Kawaler has served on the board of the Boys and Girls Club of South Queens and in Key West and was president of the Key West Woman’s Club from 2007-2009. She remained active with the Key West Woman’s Club helping to distribute funds to nonprofits in the Keys, according to a profile by College of the Florida Keys.Justin and Eileen Kawaler also support CFK students through scholarships provided by the CFK Foundation.On his 105th birthday on Nov. 1, Key West Mayor Sam Kaufman presented him with a proclamation honoring his “extraordinary milestone and incredible life.”“Justin’s story is one of hard work, determination, generosity and service,” Kaufman wrote in a social media post. “As a young boy, he worked in a grocery store and delicatessen, learning the value of responsibility. Following Pearl Harbor, he answered the call to serve our country during World War II, eventually becoming a B-29 pilot and flight engineer in the United States Army Air Corps.“After the war, Justin built a successful career in business, real estate and investments. But his contributions go far beyond his professional accomplishments. For many years, Justin has quietly and generously supported countless causes and organizations throughout our community, often without seeking recognition or thanks. His kindness, generosity and commitment to helping others have made a lasting difference in Key West.“Justin represents a remarkable generation whose service, sacrifices and contributions we should never forget. His life is also a wonderful reminder that true generosity often happens quietly, without fanfare.“On behalf of the City of Key West, I wish Justin a very happy 105th birthday, surrounded by family, friends and loved ones. Happy Birthday, Justin! Thank you for your service, your generosity and all you’ve done for our community. Congratulations on 105 remarkable years.”</div></body>

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Justin Kawaler’s movie date with a girlfriend was interrupted on Dec. 7, 1941: The Japanese had bombed Pearl Harbor and the United States was at war. Kawaler, then 20 and living in his native Brooklyn, told his girlfriend while still in the theater, “I’ve got to get into this, and I’m going to fly.”

Key West World War II pilots turns 105

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Justin Kawaler’s movie date with a girlfriend was interrupted on Dec. 7, 1941: The Japanese had bombed Pearl Harbor and the United States was at war. Kawal

Key West World War II pilots turns 105

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