World War II Army veteran Al Taubman is wheeled past staff of the VA’s Martinez Outpatient Clinic and Community Living Center and celebrated on the way to his 110th birthday party, June 2, 2026. Photo: Veterans Administration.
Served with General Patton
By Allen D. Payton
World War II Army veteran Al Taubman, a resident of the Martinez Outpatient Clinic and Community Living Center at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Martinez, celebrated his 110th birthday on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, surrounded by fellow veterans, family, friends, residents and staff.
According to local veterans’ leader, J.R. Wilson, “Al served our nation in North Africa, Italy and across Europe during World War II as the Army advanced through history. A proud Brooklyn native with a true fighting spirit, he represents the very best of what we celebrate as Americans — duty, sacrifice, resilience and honor.”
World War II Army veteran Al Taubman celebrates with friends, family, fellow veterans and VA staff on his 110th birthday party June 2, 2026. Photo courtesy of J.R. Wilson.
According to Tom McNell who, along with Darlyn Phillips, helped organize the event, Taubman served with General George Patton.
A post on the VA Northern California Health Care System’s Facebook page reads, “VA Northern California was honored to celebrate a true American Hero—Al Taubman, US Army WWII Veteran—on his 110th birthday at the Martinez CLC Clinic. With gratitude and admiration, we recognized Al’s remarkable life and service. Thank you, Al, for your courage and dedication to our country. Happy 110th Birthday!”
Following a parade of military flags by fellow Martinez VA residents, a flyover was provided by the Coast Guard during the party. Photos courtesy of J.R. Wilson. Inset by Veterans Admin.
During the celebration, Taubman’s fellow Martinez VA residents held a parade of military flags, a big band performance by Alive Music Orchestra, the Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco provided a flyover of one of their helicopters during the event and the Martinez VA had speakers representing each branch of the U.S. military including:
Len Augustine, U.S. Air Force, Col Retired – 28 years of service. Pilot with 5,000 hours, 700 in Vietnam flying C 123 Provider Aircraft. He was also a Squadron, Group and Wing Commander. Last job as 89th Military Airlift Wing Commander at Andrews AFB;
Derrick Sheldon, U.S. Marine Corps, SSgt. Retired – Associate Chief of the East Bay. A super musician performing his art at exclusive venues;
Michael Mitchell (“Just Mitch works…” as he puts it.) Chief Petty Officer, Retired. U.S. Navy – 22 years of active duty, 36 total years for USN, former Director of Law and Security/Chief of Police for Navy Region North West;
J.R. Wilson, U.S. Army Airborne Qualified soldier, 3rd Special Forces Group (A) – Served his country in North Carolina and Camp Hovey, South Korea, President Delta Veterans Group, Commander VFW Post 6435, National Interim Legislative Committee-Disabled American Veterans; and
Captain Kent Reinhold from the U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area.
Wilson shared about his and his son’s experience at the celebration. In a post on Facebook later that day he wrote, “Today was one of those moments as a father that I will never forget.
“My son, John Ryan Wilson, and I had the incredible honor of speaking at the 110th Birthday Celebration for WWII U.S. Army Veteran Al Taubman at the VA Martinez Outpatient Clinic.
Organizer Darlyn Phillips helps John Ryan Wilson as he speaks then stands with his father, JR Wilson, who also spoke and the Alive Music Orchestra performed big band sounds during the birthday celebration. Photos (L&C) courtesy of J.R. Wilson, (R) by Veterans Admin.
“As a fellow U.S. Army Veteran, it was deeply meaningful for me to stand before Al and recognize his lifetime of service. But what touched my heart the most was watching my 8-year-old son speak to him with such respect and admiration. John Ryan talked about the math of generations, the years between them, and how amazing it is that Al has lived through so much American history as our nation approaches its 250th birthday this July 4th.
“Seeing a young boy and a Greatest Generation hero sharing smiles and stories reminded me exactly why we must continue to preserve the legacy of our Veterans.
“Happy 110th Birthday, Al Taubman. Your service to this nation will never be forgotten.”
See more photos of his birthday celebration on the VA Northern California Health Care System’s Facebook page.
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