World War II veteran John Zamperini, 91, waves with his daughter, Carol Niggel, on Thursday while riding in an M37 weapons carrier at VA Butler Healthcare. The Pittsburgh Syria Shriners Legion of Honor helped grant the last wish for Zamperini.

BUTLER TWP — John Zamperini had his last wish granted Thursday morning.

Zamperini, who used to live in Kittanning and now is at the community living center at VA Butler Healthcare, is a World War II veteran. Carol Niggel, his daughter, said that the final wish of her 91-year-old father, who has a history of dementia, was to ride in a military vehicle one last time.

“He's probably (near the) end of life,” Niggel said.

Her sister-in-law saw the vehicle along Route 68 and contacted Don Domhoff of the Pittsburgh Syria Shriners Legion of Honor about borrowing the vehicle. Domhoff said the family could not borrow the vehicle due to insurance conditions, but he offered to have the Legion of Honor drive it.

Domhoff said the Legion of Honor does many activities for veterans and their families, but he said it is rare for something such as this to happen. He said he was happy the family approached them.

“It's nice to be able to help someone with their last wish,” Domhoff said.

Zamperini served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Saipan during the war. He was in the engineer corps and made runways for B-17 bombers.

The Legion of Honor has owned the vehicle for about two years. It is a M37 weapons carrier that was used in the Korean War.

Ed Tanski, commander of the Legion of Honor, drove the vehicle.

“This is great,” Tanski said.

About 10 family members rode in the vehicle. Tanski took the vehicle around the VA grounds for about 10 minutes with Zamperini in the front seat.

Zamperini's son, also named John, rode in the front seat with his father. He described it as an emotional moment.

“It was awesome,” he said.

After the ride, Zamperini gave the “A-OK” sign with his fingers.