World War II veteran celebrates 100th birthday in Guntersville

GUNTERSVILLE, Ala. (WAFF) – “Happy Birthday” was sung in the most unlikely of places Friday afternoon as the Guntersville VA Clinic helped to celebrate a milestone year for one of its patients.

Veteran John Stowe, is celebrating his 100th birthday.

Stowe will officially turn 100 on Christmas Day, but the staff at the clinic in Guntersville made sure he got a proper celebration on Friday.

He spent over 27 years in the military, split between three branches.

Stowe says he was around 17 years old when he volunteered as that was the norm for many of his peers.

“We just felt like we needed to go back then and went as quick as we could usually. A huge amount of people volunteered. More people felt like it was their duty to do that,” said Stowe during an interview.

Stowe served in the United States Navy, Coast Guard and the Air Force.

He served overseas in World War II and stateside in both the Korean War and the Vietnam War.

He spent most of that time working as a cook filling the bellies of fellow servicemen with good food and nutrition.

His service was celebrated at the VA clinic on Friday, a place where Stowe and many of his fellow servicemen have received care for many years.

“I always got excellent care. I’ve heard a few people grumble, but that’s the people who will just grumble about anything,” said Stowe on his time visiting the clinic.

When asked what the secret to longevity is — Stowe says it took a lot of effort to reach 100.

“Honestly it was hard work. As long as I could after I retired, I’d be in the yard maybe 16 hours a day. Tried to eat stuff that wasn’t too heavy in fat you know? But I think mainly just keeping on working,” said Stowe

He says all he wants for Christmas and his birthday this year is… good health.

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