Along with Wheat were men who served on war ships and stormed the beaches of Normandy, all enjoying their time with friends and family as well as a slice of cake.
BEAUMONT, Texas — As patients and family members buzzed about a busy lobby in the Beaumont VA clinic, nine American heroes, ranging in age from 99 to 101, sat in the front of the room, waiting for the celebration to begin.
With a crackle of static, the hospital intercom announced it was time to honor the men dozens had gathered to celebrate. The chattering crowd quieted and took their seats as the National Guard presented the American flag.
The veterans were introduced, each with a long list of accomplishments. The Department of Veterans Affairs then presented each of them with a gift.
Myia Barton, a primary care social worker with the Department of Veterans Affairs, said an interaction with a veteran inspired her to start what is now an annual event.
“It was inspired back in 2023. I had a veteran who was turning 100, and he didn’t have any family to celebrate his birthday with. So I really wanted to give a celebration and thanks to our veterans,” Barton said. “I see them every day as a primary care social worker. I see what they go through, I see them struggling, so I want to make sure that we have a chance to honor them.”
One of those honored was 99-year-old Jack Wheat, who was just 17 when he joined the military. Wheat served in the Office of Strategic Services and was on standby to free prisoners of war in Japanese-occupied northern China.
“My mission was to go into Japanese-occupied northern China,” Wheat said. “China was still a tribal nation, and our general was still negotiating with Chiang Kai-shek, who was a tribal chieftain.”
However, history took a turn before his team could move in.
“They were still negotiating when they dropped the bomb, so we didn’t have to go through, but we were gonna go over there and free up and get those prisoners,” Wheat said.
The OSS was known for gathering intelligence during World War II, often from behind enemy lines. Wheat said he takes pride in having volunteered for such a dangerous role.
“My part in OSS was all voluntary,” he said. “It was described as extremely hazardous duty. That’s what I’m most proud of.”
When asked his secret for a long life, he simply laughed.
“Uh oh… I don’t know,” he said, chuckling.
Among the honorees was also Ray Trudell, who enlisted at just 18 and stormed the beaches of Normandy during the pivotal D-Day battle.
“It’s kind of hard to believe that you’re already in this war and participate in it,” Trudell said. “And there you are landed on the shores of some other country. They gonna carry on life like you could or whatever—here, we gonna carry on war.”
Another veteran, Thomas Harris, served as a demolition expert in Asia and North Africa. His advice for life was simple but powerful.
“Help each other all the time and never forget to pray,” Harris said.
For these veterans, military service was a dangerous choice, but one they embraced with pride.
Alongside their families and fellow service members, the men enjoyed the celebration, sharing stories, laughter, and a slice or two of birthday cake.