97-Years to Forever

Courtesy Photo | Courtesy asset. Millard "Bo" Carwyle and Paul "Bear" Bryant.  

BIRMINGHAM, AL, UNITED STATES

01.05.2024

Story by Senior Airman Kasie Faddis 

117th Air Refueling Wing

TRUSSVILLE, Ala. -- He celebrated his 97th birthday on December 5, 2023. Most people don’t get the chance to see that side of life, but Millard “Bo” Carwyle, a U.S. Army and World War ll veteran, is one of the few who has. Carwyle has witnessed and accomplished many things in his life, and enjoys sharing his memories with others.

At one time Carwyle was a home builder and broker, but now he is an active member of his church and a member of the Civil Air Patrol.

“I love Civil Air Patrol and I love flying that airplane. I’m not too good at it, but I am learning,” Carwyle said. “I am looking forward to a whole lot of other things.”

One of his personal accomplishments was at the age of 84, Carwyle began competing and won Gold in the Alabama Senior Olympics. At 91-years-old, he was selected to run and light the Olympic torch. He speaks all over the United States as an ambassador for the Senior Olympics and holds a seat on the Governor’s Board for the Alabama Senior Olympics.

His advice on life, friendship, family and living a long life was to stay active and eat right. One of his memorable friendships was with the infamous Paul “Bear” Bryant, whom he followed around the country from game to game and handing out his own personal, game-winning advice.

“During his years, we were good friends. We had a lot of times where I told him if he listened to me he would win one. I don’t think he ever lost one,” Carwyle said. “We were one of eleven couples that would follow the club around the country and out of the country. I have a lot of pictures of us.”

“The years in your life are not what counts, it is the life in your years,” Carwyle said. “Age is only a number and treat people like you want to be treated.

• Date Taken: 01.05.2024
• Date Posted: 04.06.2024 12:31
• Story ID: 466118
• Location: BIRMINGHAM, AL, US