Veteran's 100th Birthday Wish

Hi, meet my friend Frank.

Francis Kilduff was born on May 17, 1923, in Massachusetts. He grew up in the Depression and by age 12 was working to support his family. He went on to serve in the Navy and was inducted in March of 1943 as Machinist’s Mate First Class on the escort aircraft carrier USS Kasaan Bay which provided air support for Operation Dragoon landing allied troops into Southern France in WW2.

His significant decorations include the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, the EAME Campaign Medal with one battle star and the WW2 Victory Medal. Most recently Frank received the French Legion of Honor Medal which I was lucky enough to attend.

Frank and I go way back. Our combined love of cinema brought us together in Hollywood, California years ago. I, an aspiring actress, and Frank, an aspiring filmmaker were both “extras” on a film set when we were paired together for a scene. Who knew 20 years later we’d be great friends! The age gap may seem odd to some for such a long friendship but to me, it doesn’t matter. Frank’s curiosity and zest for life make him more energetic than some people half his age.

Frank enjoys going to the Disney Concert Hall, riding Amtrak trains, dining with friends and family, and going to the movies. He even has his own engraved seat in the theater at the Legion Post 43 in Hollywood. So far Frank has run a successful manufacturing business, at 70 became a ski instructor, at 90 made movies, and even appeared alongside David Bowie in a music video! I got to share the screen with him when we appeared in a Go Daddy commercial contest. We didn’t win but we sure had fun!

Without knowing it, Frank has taught me to always stay young at heart. To always be curious, to seek out adventure, to be patient, to be brave, to try something new, to just go for it! He taught me life is a gift to make the most of every day no matter what age you are. That’s why I need your help.

I’m trying to raise funds to give this Vet the best 100th birthday present he could ever get, Disneyworld! Yes, you read that right. Franks loves Disney! He told me his wish for this special 100th birthday is to go to Disneyworld and stay at one of the resorts in the park. However, due to the uncertainty of how he would handle the long trip we have adjusted our plans and are now staying in California and going to Disneyland instead! ForeverYoungVeterans.org have stepped in and graciously assisting us with Amtrak, hotel and park tickets. We are still in need of all our meals and transportation. I'd also love to get Frank a new shirt and tie for his big day. He could also use a haircut if there are extra funds and I'd love to have a birthday cake for him!

I help with cleaning when I visit but as he’s getting older it’s been harder for him to keep up his apartment and now relies on his walker to get around. If there are funds left over I will pay for a cleaning service to come to his apartment. All extra donations after that will be donated to ForeverYoungVeterans.org

Everyone who meets Frank just loves him and I’m so lucky to call him,

my friend Frank.

Help me be able to tell this Disney lovin' Veteran, “Frank, you’re going to Disneyland!”

Thank you to all those who have donated so far for #myfriendfrank :)