I have been at Rossmoor for a year and a half and have never been able to attend a meeting of the Veterans Club before. Today was my first time there. And at that meeting, I met a true American war hero.

Ernie Mogor is a 99-year-old veteran who served in World War 2 in Germany. When America entered that war, Ernie wanted to join the Navy. Because he is color-blind, the Navy rejected him. Next, he tried the Marines. Again, they rejected him. When he asked what was left, he was advised to join the army, which he did at age 18.

Ernie was one of the soldiers who fought in the Battle Of The Bulge. His company moved up to the Rhine River. While scouting a local country road, he saw two German soldiers ahead of him. He had a dilemma to resolve. Should he shoot and kill them right there or should he let them live? He chose the latter. He did order them to halt and took them prisoner. If those two Germans are alive today, it's thanks to Ernie's magnanimity.

Ernie himself was not so lucky. He was later shot in the groin by a German sniper and would have died if not for the quick aid of an army medic. Ernie was sent home. His duty in the army was finished. He received an honorable discharge and the Purple Heart.

Today is Ernie's birthday, and when I am 99, I hope I look and act as young as he does. Ernie speaks very well, is articulate, and is intelligent. If you saw him walking near you, you would not believe he is 99.

Ernie graciously let me have photos taken of him with me. God bless him. He is a credit to his nation and humanity.