They come from all walks of life and military branches. They’ve traveled across sky, land, and sea—from combat to post-military careers in sales, security, entertainment, marketing, and more. Now residents of the Sunshine State, these veterans spend their time socializing, swinging golf clubs or pickleball paddles, and enjoying the ease of their self-paced lives. The Villages Health honors veterans and proudly recognizes these military men for their service and sacrifices. As we support their health initiatives, they share the lifestyle practices that enrich their retirement years and protect their longevity.
Jack Petro
U.S. Navy
World War II & Korean War
He could fill a book with his extraordinary, and often risky, military experiences. In fact, Jack Petro has. His novel No Ordinary Spy draws from his time as an enlisted man in World War II and as an officer during the Korean War. Like his novel’s protagonist, Jack was tapped for Naval Classified Material Courier duty. He recalls many career highlights, including his role as a U.S. Embassy escort to Queen Elizabeth II during her coronation at Westminster Abbey.
Following his military career, Jack managed various manufacturing plants for General Electric and traveled internationally to scout out potential jobsites. With his round-the-world airline ticket, he notes he has “climbed Ayers Rock in Australia, scuba-dived the Great Barrier Reef, walked a section of the Great Wall of China, touched the Pyramids in Egypt, and sailed the Nile from Cairo to Aswan.” Later, he taught at a junior college and honed his writing skills as a newspaper columnist, covering live theater performances for The Villages Daily Sun.
Jack’s Health Philosophy: At 97, Jack enjoys a loving marriage to his wife of 73 years, Jan. He spends his days sharing big salads with her, playing cards, taking the occasional nap, and soaking up sunshine at putting courses. Jack maintains his mental edge by participating in creative writing clubs.
Charley Fisher
U.S. Navy
In 1969, Charley trained at the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Florida. He served in Vietnam thereafter. “I was in combat from October 1971 to June 1972,” he said. Now a Villager, Charlie is a member of the American Legion Post 347, Lake Deaton United Methodist church in Wildwood, and various social clubs. Lively games of pickleball keep him on his toes, fueled by his morning smoothies. “I’ve been drinking them for 15 years,” he said. Spinach, watercress, nuts, olive oil, berries and flax are some of the main ingredients in his nutritious concoction.
Among his military keepsakes, Charley cherishes a patriotic quilt and a framed, black-and-white photograph of himself in uniform. The shot captures him next to his naval aircraft, with tail numbers matching his daughter’s birth date. Some would call this curious fact a coincidence, but Charley sees a twinkling of the divine. My daughter calls it a “Godwink,” he said.
Charley’s Health Philosophy: A smoothie a day keeps the doctor away.
Howard Newhoff
U.S. Coast Guard
Upon graduating from the United States Coast Guard Academy in 1965, Howard spent the next 25 years in 18 different assignments. He commanded a range of vessels, from patrol boats to destroyer-size ships, and conducted vital operations such as search and rescue and environmental protection. In 1982, Howard received a Unit Commendation from President Ronald Reagan for his role in preventing drug smuggling into the U.S.—a highlight of his career.
In 1989, Howard retired from the Coast Guard and boarded a cruise ship for his next occupation. As corporate head of security for Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., he ensured the safety of passengers and crews at terminals and ports around the world until he retired in 2013. Shortly after, he settled in The Villages and became a member of several military organizations, including Villages Honor Flight Club (VHF). Howard serves as Speakers Bureau Administrator on the volunteer management team.
“All my life I avoided talking about (certain military experiences) but being a speaker for this organization has made a significant difference,” he said. “It’s such a well-rounded organization.” Howard notes that VHF has taken approximately 23,000 veterans who served active duty to tour the monuments in Washington, D.C.
Howard’s Health Philosophy: Volunteer work enhances wellbeing while games of golf and daily walks make great exercise.
Don Spencer
U.S. Navy
As a naval officer, Don flew over 70 Vietnam missions, became a jet pilot instructor and received leadership training through The Navy Service Support Advanced Training Command (NSSATC). He flew over 60 typhoon penetrations for weather research and early warnings in the western pacific. Don’s post-military path took him out of the air and onto the screen. With a degree in marketing and advertising, he landed television appearances with household names including Bob Barker, Art Linkletter and other celebrities. Don directed the Pillsbury Bake-Off, a show that roused viewers’ appetites for later food competition programming, such as Top Chef and Cake Boss. For 35 years, he served in sales and executive management positions, including field sales engineer roles for various telecommunications companies. Additionally, he’s performed stand-up comedy for clubs, conventions and churches and is a 40-year member of Mensa.
Don’s Health Philosophy: Golfing, albeit poorly, and comedy, keep him physically and socially active. An avid reader, Don stays sharp by reading approximately 70 books per year, and he volunteers at Mark Twain Library in The Villages. His motto is “common sense and moderation.”
