Turning 100 calls for a big celebration! State officials are calling on the public to help one Floresville veteran celebrate her milestone in a big way.
TEXAS, USA — A South Texas veteran is about to celebrate a milestone birthday, and state officials say she has one special request.
According to the Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB), 99-year-old Victoria Franco hopes to receive at least 100 birthday cards as she prepares to turn 100 years old on March 21.
Franco lives at the Frank M. Tejeda Texas State Veterans Home, where officials say she is participating in the Veterans Land Board’s “100 for 100” program. The initiative encourages communities across Texas to help celebrate residents at state veterans homes who are reaching the century mark.
The VLB said Franco served in the United States Marine Corps as a teletype operator from Sept. 15, 1950, to Feb. 23, 1957, rising to the rank of sergeant.
Her competitive spirit also showed up on the field. According to officials, Franco played both catcher and pitcher for a Marine Corps softball team during her service. After leaving the military, she stayed involved in the sport as a Little League umpire.
The Veterans Land Board, which coordinates the “100 for 100” outreach program alongside the Texas General Land Office, said the effort helps communities recognize veterans celebrating extraordinary milestones.
Texans who want to help Franco celebrate her 100th birthday can send a birthday card to:
Ms. Victoria Franco
Frank M. Tejeda Texas State Veterans Home
200 Veterans Drive
Floresville, Texas 78114
Organizers say a mailbox full of birthday wishes would be the perfect way to honor the Marine veteran’s century of life and service.