On Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024, members of the Jeff Davis Post 18 American Legion Family of Centreville, Md., participated in a 100th-birthday "drive by" celebration for Dan Tabler.

Dan M. Tabler was born in 1924 in West Virginia. In 1933, Dan's father Ray relocated to Centreville to open the Centreville Bank. Several months later, Dan and his mother followed.

In 1935, at 10, Dan became a charter member of Jeff Davis Squadron 18 and to date has been a continuous member for 90 years.

Dan's passion was writing, and he wrote his first article at the age 15. Graduating from Centreville High School in 1941, he went on to attend the Citadel Military College. The United States entered into World War II, and Dan entered the U.S. Army and was stationed at Camp Lee. Dan was able to continue his passion for journalism and was assigned to the Public Relations Office, and for over two years wrote articles about camp life, USO tours and more.

Upon discharge in 1945, Dan returned to Centreville and continued a career in the newspaper industry, serving until 2020.

In 1946, Dan joined the Goodwill Fire Company and in 2023 was recognized for 76 years of dedicated service.

In 1948, Dan married the love of his wife, Ruth Butler. Ruth served in the Army Nurse Corps as a cadet and later became a registered nurse. Ruth also serves as a longtime member of Jeff Davis Auxiliary Unit 18.

Dan's life is an example of service over self; he also participated in the Lions Club, Local 4-H, local library and more.

It was an honor for the Jeff Davis American Legion Family to present Dan with his 90-Year Continuous Member Certificate, engraved Honorary Life Membership Card and a 100th Birthday Celebration Resolution on behalf of American Legion National Commander James A. LaCoursiere Jr.