By Nikki Vandyke
San Diego resident and World War II veteran Mr. Calvin Shiner turned 103 years young on February 17, 2026. Mr. Shiner started out his week receiving a blessing from Rev. Stafford of Calvary Baptist Church where he has worshipped since 1959.
Mr. Shiner celebrated his 103 birthday in style, an evening of dancing, dining, and reflecting. During the party he was presented with a proclamation from Councilman Henry Foster. What a great honor! Lord Shiner (as affectionately known) said, “This is the best birthday celebration I have ever had in 103 years”.
Mr. Shiner was featured in the Voice & Viewpoint when he turned 100. Since that time he has been a busy man, throwing the first pitch at Petco Park, flying a Stearman biplane, and being a part of the ribbon cutting ceremony for the World War II Museums new exhibit Honoring African Americans “Fighting for the Right to Fight”, where he is displayed. He has had the opportunity to travel to France twice in 2024 and 2025, during his trip in 2024 he received the French Legion of Honor medal from President Emmanuel Macron and met sitting president Joe Biden. Mr. Shiner has also received the WWII Victory Medal and has been honored by The Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association of Escondido.
Thank you to John Hines Cadillac for sponsoring Dawn Hendon’s guests table, The Best Defense Foundation, owners of the Pamplemousse Grille, members of the Honor Flight San Diego, The Midway, and all that have ever Blessed Mr. Shiner.
One of Lord Shiner’s passions is speaking with the youth of today. Ezekiel Williams, an 8th grader at San Diego Academy speaks on his impression of meeting with Mr. Shiner:
“Meeting Mr. Shiner felt unreal. He is more than 7 times my age. I was able to talk with him about segregation, the impact of integration, his life, and the impact of World War II on him as a soldier. Hearing how he felt about the other wars the United States has been a part of, as well as the state of the country was eye-opening. The most important thing that I have learned from him was to listen, look, and learn as much as I can.”
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