Oklahoma World War II Veteran Celebrates 100th Birthday With Family

It is becoming rarer to meet someone who served in World War II, but family members of that generation want to make sure their stories of service aren't forgotten.

Thursday was a big day for the Montgomery family.

"We are celebrating my father, the one and only Willie Montgomery Senior,” Clifford Montgomery, Willie’s oldest son, said. “Today is his birthday, and he is a hundred years young."

The revelation about hitting triple digits was shocking for Willie.

"I am 100? You are kidding me. I don't feel like 100," he said.

Willie’s secret to making it to a century is simple.

"What I have done over the years? Stay alive."

But staying alive wasn't guaranteed.

Willie was drafted as a Tulsa High School student and was deployed to Europe in 1944 during World War II.

As a black man in the army, Willie wasn't allowed to be in active combat and was assigned to work for a trucking company to supply items like clothing and food to the troops.

His kids love hearing stories about his time overseas.

“You were glad to serve your country?" asked his son.

"Oh yes," Willie said.

"I can't even imagine me being a hundred, so him being a hundred, I am so proud he's still here to still share his life and times with me," Clifford said.

Clifford is proud of his father's service, but what he admires most is not his accolades but his success as a father of four.

"He's always here for us, and no matter what--what we done or how we did it--he was there for us, and he was there to let us know if it was right or wrong," he said.

Willie received his diploma decades after he served. He'll celebrate his birthday on Saturday surrounded by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

"I am so proud to be here,” Willie said.