Foster “Jock” Davis celebrates 102nd birthday in North Little Rock

Russellville native Foster “Jock” Davis marked his 102nd birthday on Monday in North Little Rock. The milestone honors a local combat engineer who served in two foreign wars. He fought in World War II and the Korean War.

Davis served in the United States Army as a combat engineer. Military leaders deployed him to the Philippines, New Guinea, and Australia. He cleared wilderness land to build landing strips for Allied planes. He also fought in the Battle of Manila.

“We took the city and gave it back to the people, and I had the honor of shaking hands and saluting General MacArthur,” said Davis. “I loved my service, I’m glad I did it, and I’d do it over again many times.”

Davis used the G.I. Bill after returning from combat. He graduated from Arkansas Technical University. Later, he worked as an executive in the poultry industry. Davis also served 35 years in the Arkansas National Guard.

The party took place at the Arkansas State Veterans Home in North Little Rock. Family, friends, and leaders from Pope County joined the event. United States Senator Tom Cotton also attended the gathering. Cotton called Davis a long-time family friend.

“I eat a lot of hamburgers,” Davis said with a laugh.

Davis gave another explanation for his long life. He stayed busy.

“The main thing is, stay active, stay really active. If nobody asks you to do something, do it anyway. I volunteered my service, helped people do anything that they wanted to do, and that’s what has kept me moving,” said Davis.

He offered advice for younger generations.

“Stay busy, real busy. If you’re not doing it for yourself, do it for others, but stay busy,” said Davis.

State veterans homes offer long-term nursing and medical care to military service veterans. These facilities provide residential support and rehabilitation services across the state.

Davis currently resides at the North Little Rock facility where guests gathered for his party.