Oldest surviving U.S. Cavalry member reflects on his illustrious life

WHITE BEAR LAKE, Minn -- Born in 1910, Walt Westman is as sharp as a tack.

"It's wonderful, I'm grateful his mind works fine, his memory is perfect, he can remember, everything," said Charlie Westman, Walt's son. 

His love for horses took him to a whole new level.  He served in the 1st Cavalry Division in World War II.

"Riding a horse took the work out of it, the horse had to do all the work you know, you were a passenger," said Walt. 

"His life has always revolved around horses, he's always said he got his college education at the Cavalry," said Charlie.

Walt never made it to high school.  He dropped about after eighth grade, but he claims he went to high school for 16 days.  Walt wanted to help his dad on the farm in Coon Rapids, where he grew up.

Walt trained on horseback in 1942 for a year, before being shipped overseas.  He was based in New Guinea and Australia before being introduced to the war zone on a small south pacific island near the Phillippines in 1943. 

Walt said when he first got to the island, the Japanese were waiting and the person standing next to him was killed.

"When the bomb was dropped on Japan, it didn't take long for them to surrender," said Walt.

When the U.S. won the war, Walt, who was wounded twice, headed back home, after three-years being away. 

"There was an opportunity for me to start a business," said Walt.

He owned a horse ranch called the Hilltop, which opened in 1937.  Walt's wife ran it while he was at war.  In 1948 the ranch moved to Maplewood where it was open until 1977. 

"That's what I taught after I got back," said Walt. 

"He taught thousands of people how to ride," said Charlie.

He is the oldest surviving member of the U.S. Cavalry. 

"I'm honored to be the oldest member."

Walt actually hopped on a horse just two-years ago and took a ride. 

"He had fun riding that horse."

Now he lives at The Lodge nursing home in White Bear Lake.  He keeps his mind active by playing card games and chatting with friends.  He and a close friend took a trip to Las Vegas to gamble recently.

"I came back a loser.  It's pretty hard to win in Vegas."

Walt is the founder of the Minnesota Cavalry chapter he started 17-years-ago.  He is looking forward to the reunion party next year.

In 1992 the Minnesota Horse Council named Walt horseperson of the year. 

Walt's 100th birthday is February 4th. 

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