Murray Zolkwer’s military service is a remarkable journey that started somewhat unexpectedly. Born in 1918, Murray was attending Columbia University’s College of Pharmacy when a representative from the National Guard visited his class. The offer of $12 per month for serving seemed too good to pass up. However, just two months after joining in 1939, his unit was federalized due to the escalation of World War II, and Murray was pulled out of college. Little did he know that this decision would mark the beginning of a life-changing experience.
Initially placed in the Infantry, Murray found himself in the 114th Infantry Regiment, Company B, as part of the 44th Infantry Division. His role as part of a heavy weapons platoon was quite different from his pharmacy studies, but Murray quickly adapted. He humorously recalls how the captain promoted him to Corporal simply because he was the only one who knew how to aim the 60mm mortar correctly. What Murray didn’t anticipate was that his promotion came with the burden of carrying the mortar’s heavy base plate during field exercises.
Over the course of the war, Murray was transferred multiple times, each reassignment taking him further into the heart of Europe. His most vivid and haunting memory is from his time as a “Holocaust Liberator.” In 1945, his unit received orders to help liberate the Dachau concentration camp in Germany, a harrowing experience that Murray describes as “the worst day of my life.” Upon arrival at the camp, his unit was met with gunfire from retreating Nazi guards, resulting in a half-hour battle that ended with the capture or death of the guards. Murray’s time in the camp was brief but unforgettable, leaving him with images of suffering that have stayed with him ever since.
After the war, Murray returned to the U.S., determined to finish his education. Although it took longer than expected due to his military service, he finally earned his pharmacy degree in 1948. His experience as a medic during the war, combined with his love for pharmacy, shaped the rest of his career. Murray worked in various drugstores in New York before eventually opening his own business on Long Island. His son, inspired by his father’s dedication, also became a pharmacist, a profession that Murray continues to advocate for young people considering their future.
Murray’s life was not only defined by his career but also by his commitment to family. He married his wife, whom he affectionately calls “Lady Lou,” shortly after returning from the war in 1946. They were together for 68 years, sharing a rich life filled with travel and adventure. After retiring at the age of 62, Murray and his wife spent their time exploring the world, including a 38-day cruise around the globe on the Queen Mary. Murray fondly recalls their travels, particularly the time they spent in Paris, a city they visited frequently both during and after the war.
Now, at over 100 years old, Murray resides in Florida, where he continues to enjoy life, albeit at a slower pace. He took part in the Honor Flight program, which allowed him to visit the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., a trip that he describes as a highlight of his later years. Accompanied by his longtime oral surgeon, who volunteered to be his chaperone, Murray was moved by the recognition and respect shown to him and his fellow veterans.
When asked for advice, Murray emphasizes the importance of finding a career you love. For him, pharmacy was not just a job but a calling, one that provided him with a good living and a sense of fulfillment. He also encourages young people to consider military service, noting that it can provide valuable life lessons and opportunities for growth. Reflecting on his time in the Army, Murray is proud of his service, even though it came with challenges and sacrifices.
Murray’s story is one of resilience, dedication, and adaptability. From being thrust into the Infantry to navigating the horrors of war, he faced each challenge with determination and a sense of humor. His contributions as a Holocaust Liberator, medic, and pharmacist have left a lasting impact on those who know him, and his legacy as both a veteran and a family man continues to inspire. As he often says, “Stay well and live long,” a mantra that has clearly guided him through a century of life.
Anthony Pagliri’s journey from an ordinary upbringing to a 22-year distinguished career in the U.S. Air Force, and later, entrepreneurship, reflects a life of resilience, adaptability, and service. Born in Waterbury, Connecticut in 1967, Anthony moved to Florida at a young age and completed his high school education in 1986. His early work as a mechanic left him seeking greater purpose, prompting him to explore the military with a friend. Initially, they considered joining the Marines, but Anthony ultimately chose the Air Force, embarking on a career that would span over two decades.
His Air Force journey began in 1989, stationed at various locations, including Sheppard Air Force Base and Travis Air Force Base in California. As a C-5 crew chief, he handled some of the largest aircraft in the U.S. military, which required technical expertise and unwavering attention to detail. A transfer to Hickam Air Force Base in Hawaii followed, and his role evolved over time. Despite a fulfilling position as a crew chief, Anthony sought more. He decided to retrain as a flight engineer, a challenging process that took two years, involving water survival and survival evasion resistance and escape (SERE) training. He rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant and eventually accumulated over 5,000 flying hours, participating in multiple major military operations such as Iraqi Freedom.
Anthony’s Air Force career exposed him to high-stress, dangerous situations, particularly during international conflicts. He recalls one notable mission shortly after the Black Hawk Down incident in Mogadishu, where his aircraft’s landing was delayed due to unrest on the runway. They eventually landed but had to take cover when unrest flared up again. On another occasion, a landing gear malfunction in Kuwait put his crew at risk, forcing them to stay airborne until they could safely land. These incidents tested his mettle, but they were pivotal experiences that shaped his career.
After retiring from the Air Force in 2011, Anthony transitioned into law enforcement, joining the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office in California. For the next decade, he worked as a deputy, balancing the demands of public service with the challenges of life outside the military. His time in law enforcement further honed his leadership and decision-making skills, though it came with its own difficulties. After ten years in this role, he retired from law enforcement and returned to Florida, reuniting with his roots.
It was in Florida that Anthony embraced a new challenge: entrepreneurship. Along with his wife, who is a doctor of nursing, Anthony launched a franchise of Game Day Men’s Health, a clinic focused on testosterone replacement, weight loss, and men’s health services. Their motivation stemmed from a desire to help men over 40, who often face health challenges yet lack dedicated resources. They aimed to create a space where veterans and first responders, in particular, would find the care and support they deserve. Anthony’s involvement in veteran advocacy didn’t stop with his business; he also became actively involved with the Pinellas County Veterans Association, working to bridge the gap between veterans and the resources available to them.
Anthony’s life story is one of commitment to service—whether in the military, law enforcement, or as an advocate for men’s health and veterans’ rights. Through each chapter of his life, Anthony has demonstrated resilience, leadership, and a relentless pursuit of purpose, making him a role model for veterans and civilians alike. His journey showcases how military service can serve as a foundation for lifelong success and fulfillment, even as it transitions into civilian ventures.