![\"Ed](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/C5L7XDVBI5FVDIESFTAVZ7AKWA.png\")
Ed grew up in Missouri and enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force at the age of 18. His wife Debra said he loved airplanes and flying gave him an opportunity to get out of his small town.(Ed Judd)<\/p>\nPHOENIX (AZFamily)<\/b> \u2014 Ed Judd has a lot to celebrate: Christmas Eve and his 100th birthday.<\/p>\n
Dozens of friends and family gathered at his Phoenix condo complex on Wednesday to honor the beloved grandfather who flew B-17s over Great Britain and Belgium during World War II.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think it\u2019s very nice that they are doing it, but I\u2019m not much of a party guy myself,\u201d Judd said.<\/p>\n
Ed grew up in Missouri and enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Forces at 18. His wife, Debra, said he loved airplanes and that flying gave him an opportunity to leave his small town.<\/p>\n
Ed grew up in Missouri and enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force at the age of 18. His wife Debra said he loved airplanes and flying gave him an opportunity to get out of his small town.(Ed Judd)<\/p>\n
\u201cHe loved the idea, and the captain and crew he flew with were awesome,\u201d Debra Judd said.<\/p>\n
After the war, he went to college and became a successful businessman. He moved to Arizona in 1990.<\/p>\n
One of his biggest concerns these days is how divided the country has become.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe patriotism to me doesn\u2019t appear to be there at all compared with what it was during and after World War II. I have that on my mind a great deal,\u201d Judd said.<\/p>\n
Judd said the keys to living a long life are working hard, not smoking or drinking, and exercising regularly.<\/p>\n
\u201cI try to walk at least a mile a day \u2014 the last few days a little less, sometimes two. You\u2019ve got to keep moving no matter what; gotta keep moving,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
He also recommends watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! on a regular basis.<\/p>\n
When asked if he\u2019s okay with his wife planning his 101st birthday, he said, \u201cNot yet.\u201d At his age, it\u2019s all about taking one day at a time.<\/p>\n
\u201cHonestly, I don\u2019t feel like I\u2019m over 35 years old. Obviously I can hardly stand and walk sometimes, but as far as feeling good, I feel great,\u201d Judd said.<\/p>\n
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