Publication Name Here
By CHRIS VAUGHN

FORT WORTH — John Martinek has had more than a few surprises in the last few weeks.

For one, he turned 89. "I can’t believe that," he said. "I’m almost 90, and I’ve always thought of someone who is 90 as being old."

But, oh what a birthday.

Martinek, a World War II veteran whose story in the Star-Telegram of the bonds of friendship amid terrible loss touched thousands of North Texans, will soon get a new house.

Eight hundred and thirty square feet. Two bedrooms. One bath. A front porch. Central heat and air, which he’s never had before.

Best of all, he will keep the same address, the one he’s had since he and a new bride bought a little house on the north side a few years after he returned from combat in Europe.

"It’s going to be a reality," he said.