{"id":7659,"date":"2026-02-17T15:30:00","date_gmt":"2026-02-17T15:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/itsveterans.com\/?p=7659"},"modified":"2026-02-17T15:30:00","modified_gmt":"2026-02-17T15:30:00","slug":"from-d-day-to-100th-birthday","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/itsveterans.com\/?p=7659","title":{"rendered":"From D-Day to 100th birthday"},"content":{"rendered":"

Originally published:<\/strong> 2026-02-17T15:30:00+00:00. Historical source article: benefits, rules, amounts and deadlines may have changed. Check the official source for current information.<\/p>\n

Big Spring honors the remarkable life of Navy Veteran JL Stevens<\/h2>\n
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<\/a>
Navy Veteran and Centenarian JL Stevens provides remarks to a gathering of more than 100 Big Spring and West Texas VA Health Care System staff following a ceremony marking his 100th birthday and his century of service.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

On Jan. 29, 2026, the West Texas VA Health Care System<\/a> (WTVAHCS) and the Big Spring community united in a heartfelt celebration of World War II Navy Veteran JL Stevens, honoring his remarkable milestone\u2014his 100th birthday. A longtime resident of Big Spring, Stevens is a living testament to a pivotal chapter in American history.<\/p>\n

Born in 1926 in Ada, Okla., Stevens grew up in a hardworking ranching family and enlisted in the Navy at 17, inspired by his older brother. After rigorous boot camp training in Southern California, he served as a Gunner\u2019s Mate aboard the destroyer USS Hambleton (DD 455), critical to the war efforts in both Europe and the Pacific theater.<\/p>\n

Stevens participated in the historic D-Day invasion on June 6, 1944, where he helped escort landing vessels to Omaha Beach and witnessed the bravery of countless Americans fighting for freedom. He later experienced the intense Okinawa campaign, enduring relentless kamikaze attacks and typhoons that tested the resolve of every sailor.<\/p>\n

Reflecting on service and sacrifice<\/h2>\n
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<\/a>
Assisted by West Texas VA Health Care System acting Medical Center Director, and Air Force Veteran, Robert Hoff (L) and Chief, Center for Development and Civic Engagement, and U.S. Marine Corps Veteran, Moses Tijerina (R), U.S. Navy Veteran and Centenarian JL Stevens render honors as the National Anthem is performed at the opening ceremony celebrating Stevens\u2019 100th birthday.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Reflecting on his service during the celebration, Stevens humbly stated, \u201cI never thought of myself as a hero. I just did what I was asked to do for my country and for the men beside me. We all depended on each other, and I\u2019m grateful I was able to come home.\u201d His remarks resonated with attendees, highlighting the humility that characterized both his military service and his century of life.<\/p>\n

Stevens\u2019 ship also played a pivotal role in marking the end of World War II. After being reassigned to the Pacific theater, the Hambleton escorted the USS Missouri into Tokyo Bay for the formal surrender ceremony on Sept. 2, 1945. From the nearby waters, Stevens and his fellow sailors witnessed Supreme Allied Commander General Douglas MacArthur and other leaders sign the Instrument of Surrender, symbolizing the conclusion of the conflict\u2014a triumphant moment reflecting the sacrifices made by millions.<\/p>\n

After the war, Stevens returned home to a fulfilling life as a carpenter, helping build homes and strong community ties in Big Spring, and even working to build the original VA hospital, now known as the George H. O\u2019Brien, Jr. VA Medical Center.<\/p>\n

Robert Hoff, acting director of the WTVAHCS<\/a>, delivered heartfelt remarks honoring Stevens\u2019 extraordinary life. He stated, \u201cToday we honor not just Mr. Stevens\u2019 century of life, but the legacy of service and patriotism he embodies. His courage helped secure the freedoms we enjoy today, and it\u2019s our privilege to ensure Veterans like him receive the care they deserve.\u201d<\/p>\n

Following Hoff\u2019s speech, he presented a personal letter and challenge coin on behalf of Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins.<\/p>\n

The celebration transcended a mere birthday gathering, transforming into a tribute to duty, sacrifice and unity. The collaboration between the WTVAHCS and the Big Spring community showcased the importance of honoring those who paved the way for future generations.<\/p>\n

On Jan. 29, 2026, Big Spring celebrated not just a birthday but also a legacy.<\/p>\n

\n

Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs<\/a>. Its Veterans is an independent publication and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Honoring WWII Navy Veteran JL Stevens on his 100th birthday, reflecting on his service, including D-Day, with the West Texas VA Health Care System.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":67,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[34,35],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7659","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-community-veteran-stories","category-history-remembrance"],"yoast_head":"\nFrom D-Day to 100th birthday - Its Veterans<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Honoring WWII Navy Veteran JL Stevens on his 100th birthday, reflecting on his service, including D-Day, with the West Texas VA Health Care System.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/itsveterans.com\/?p=7659\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"From D-Day to 100th birthday - 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