VERO BEACH - Charlie Cox on Saturday afternnon sat in front of the banquet room at VFW Post 3918, listening as fellow veterans expressed their good wishes on his 100th birthday.

Cox, who is Indian River County’s oldest living veteran, was silent while he was presented with awards, a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol and even 100 gold coins to remember the occasion.

“This is one of the few times in my life that I don’t know what to say,” said Cox, who was accompanied by his wife Basilisa at the luncheon in his honor. “I don’t know how to thank you except to say I will continue to do the best I know how to do.”

A native of Mississippi, Cox was raised in Louisiana and was in the construction business when World War II broke out. He volunteered with a Naval construction battalion, known as the Seabees, and helped rebuild airfields, hospitals and other support facilities for the U.S. Navy and Marines in the South Pacific.

In recognition of Cox’s birthday, Chris Hill, an aide to U.S. Congressman Bill Posey, presented Cox with a flag that was flown over the U.S. Capitol building on January 27, 2010.

“He seems like the nicest guy in the world,” said Hill. “His dedication to his country and the VFW is very impressive, and I’m glad to be here.”

VFW District Commander Bob Shultz said he was happy to honor Cox on his birthday.

“There are a lot of things in the VFW that I really enjoy doing,” said Shultz. “And saying ‘thank you’ to people like Charlie is certainly one of them.”

A number of other organizations, including the American Legion and the Veterans Council of Indian River County, noted Cox’s service to veterans as well as his role founding Habitat for Humanity in Indian River County.

“On behalf of the Veterans Council, we extend our congratulations on this momentous occasion,” said council president Eric Wieler. “We wish you all the best and God-speed.”

Other guests at the birthday party included family members and longtime friends of Cox.

“He’s led quite a life,” said Bob Graves of Vero Beach. “I’ve known him since 2001 and we’ve become very good friends. He’s a God-fearing man and he likes to do well for everyone.”

Larry Wapnick, who has known Cox through several veterans’ organizations, said Cox is “unbelievable” and has always been an advocate for veteran’s affairs.

“What is so amazing is that he’s still right on the button at his age,” said Wapnick. “When he talks, everyone listens. I can just imagine what he’ll do in the next 100 years.”

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