VA Augusta to celebrate World War II Veteran’s 100th birthday

This Thursday, Nov. 30, at 1:45 p.m., VA Augusta Health Care System will celebrate World War II Veteran Hubert Miles as he turns 100 years old. Media is invited to the celebration at the VA Augusta Uptown campus at 1 Freedom Way off Wrightsboro Road. “Celebrating centenarian Veterans is a VA priority,” said Bob Frasier, an Air Force Veteran and employee with VA Augusta’s Center for Development and Civic Engagement. “A letter from the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs and a special challenge coin are presented to each centenarian Veteran.” Miles, who was raised on a farm in Metter, Georgia, was determined to serve his nation but had a speech impediment that barred him from military enlistment. After being turned away by the Army, Miles’ persistence paid off when he enlisted with the Navy after several tries at 19. A World War II Veteran, Miles served from December 1942 to October 1945 as a diesel mechanic aboard vessels near North Africa, Italy, and Omaha Beach during the D-Day landing in Normandy, France. After his time in service, Miles pursued his college education and secured employment with the Army Corp of Engineers as an economist. He’s outlived two wives and has five daughters, one of whom is married to the VA Augusta physician assistant who is his lead caretaker in the local VA Community Living Center.

William Martin, Chief of Public Affiars

706-823-1733