Birthday

With more than 300 years of wisdom between them, three World War II Veterans shared special words of advice at birthday event

Wilburn Rowden just celebrated his 100th birthday. In World War II, he was a radio operator crewman on a B-17 Flying Fortress bomber.

Army Veteran Hosea “Sugar Boy” McCain, 103, built the house he lives in today on 65 acres. He brags about strong baseball arm and has a serious sweet tooth.

On his 112th birthday, today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Army Veteran Lawrence Brooks, the oldest living World War II Veteran.

John Palko has seen a lot in his lifetime. He experienced war and injuries that he was awarded the Purple Heart for, in addition to becoming a prisoner of war (POW) during World War II--all before his 21st birthday. Now, this U.S. Army Veteran shares his stories during his 96th birthday drive-by celebration. 

U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Anna Maria Lugrine received a call from VA on her 97th birthday. 

Anna answered, "Hello, I don't even know when my birthday is anymore" and laughed. The VA employee and Anna had a long conversation about her service, her work selling U.S. bonds during World War II, and her 8 children and 19 grandchildren. Using a list of almost 6,000 Veterans aged from 22-102 years old, Philadelphia VAMC employees are calling Veterans to wish them a happy birthday, while also checking on their patient experience.

VA North Texas Health Care System patient, James South, loves playing golf and eating chicken fried steak. On October 7th, South enjoyed both of these activities as he celebrated his 100th birthday!

The McCurtain County VA Clinic and members of the local community gathered to celebrate World War II Veteran Sydney Hunnicutt 102nd birthday on July 11 in Idabel, Oklahoma.

The Department of Veterans Affairs wishes a Happy Birthday to all Marine Veterans who have served during peace and war.