SHAWANO COUNTY, Wis. (WFRV) – World War II combat veteran Rueben Kolpack celebrated his 104th birthday on Wednesday, March 19. In the days leading up to the milestone, he received thousands of cards and letters after his granddaughter put out a call on social media. Family and friends gathered at Chet & Emil's Bowling Alley and Banquet Hall, where the VFW from Antigo and Birnamwood presented Kolpack with various mementos. The Birnamwood Quilt Society also gifted him a red, white and blue quilt. Green Bay airport prepares for influx of travelers ahead of 2025 NFL Draft He promptly saluted as fellow veterans lined up to show their respect for the Silver Star and Purple Heart recipient. Kolpack was in the first tank to land on Normandy Beach during World War II. He was later wounded in combat but returned to duty during the Battle of the Bulge. He still remembers the general pinning the medals on his hospital gown. "You don't forget a lot of those sentimental happenings," Kolpack told Local 5 News. "I was honored to have all wounded veterans sit at attention as the general pinned them on me and shook my hand." In the weeks leading up to his birthday, his granddaughter asked for 104 birthday cards on social media. They lost count at 13,100, with some arriving from as far as Australia and the Netherlands. Port of Green Bay sees first arrival for 2025’s shipping season, ship carrying cement "So you can see there's no way I could answer all these people," Kolpack said. "But the thought of all these people wishing me well means a lot." Kolpack credits his faith in God and the love of his family as the secret to his longevity—and now, he knows he has friends all over the world. ...read more read less