Katy’s Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9182 came together on June 6 to celebrate a significant milestone – the 100th birthday of member Will Duvall, a veteran who served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. The festivities were held at the VFW Hall, 6206 George Bush Drive in Katy.

Members of the post presented Duvall with a hand-carved wooden cane topped by an American eagle head in honor of the occasion.

Born in the small Panhandle town of Laverne, OK, Duvall served two years in the Navy and witnessed the surrender of the Japanese troops. He began working in the computer industry in 1950 – and is still active in that industry today, holding more than 300 patents and continuing to create new inventions – one of which he recently displayed at a VFW function in May.

He moved to Katy to be near family undergoing medical treatment, he said.

Duvall is still active in the VFW as well, and is seen at the post most Thursdays.

He said that the secret to living a long life is to grow up on a farm and eat vegetables that are organically grown.

His advice for young people? “Pick your life’s work early,” he said, choosing something you like to do and have an aptitude for. “It’s not all about money,” he said.