With the World War II veteran population dwindling, it’s a rare occasion to see two former soldiers from that era come together much less than 10.
But thanks to Myia Barton, a dedicated social worker, that’s what happened Wednesday in Beaumont, Texas.
Barton brought 10 members of the Greatest Generation – all over age 100 or will be reaching the century mark this year – together for a special birthday celebration at a Department of Veterans Affairs clinic in Beaumont.
Barton has planned and coordinated the event for the past couple of years, ignited from an idea and a passion to help veterans tackle loneliness. Another goal of the celebration is to honor and remember WWII veterans before they’re gone.
How It Began
Barton was inspired to host the birthday parties after having a sad but enlightening chat with a veteran a couple of years ago. Approaching his 100th birthday, the veteran said he felt lonely. Many veterans approaching the century mark often no longer have a living spouse or siblings to connect with and many of their friends have died.
From that encounter, Barton was determined to bring WWII veterans together for an annual event that lifts the spirit and provides camaraderie.
“It is truly our honor to serve these special Veterans,” Barton said. “Being able to celebrate their birthdays with them every year and shower them with thanks and recognition, is truly a pleasure.”
Some of the centenarians shared their stories, like Marine Corps veteran Vernon Chauvin, from Port Arthur, Texas. Chauvin will turn 100 on Dec. 23, 2026.
Wearing a black Marine Corps baseball cap with a red bill and proudly sporting a dark blue USMC Veteran sweatshirt, Chauvin talked about his service in both WWII and the Korean War. He served as a gunner and was promoted to machine gun squad leader. After the military, Chauvin spent 38 years working at Jefferson Chemical Company in Port Neches, Texas.
Wednesday’s party allowed Chauvin to swap stories with his WWII brethren.
“I’m grateful to be here, and I look forward to turning 100 this December,” Chauvin said.
The celebration also featured Joe Escamilla, 99, an Army veteran. Escamilla served in the fabled 82nd Airborne Division as a paratrooper and glider pilot. Escamilla captivated attendees of the birthday party with stories of capturing a German general and his time boxing in the Army.
Following the war, Escamilla had seven children with two sets of twins. He will turn 100 in September and is looking forward to the milestone.
“This party means a lot to me, and I can’t wait to celebrate!” he said.
Service Spans Across Generations
Joseph Joseph, 103, was one of the oldest veterans at Wednesday’s celebration. Serving in the Navy as a merchant seaman, Joseph saw time in three wars, World War II, Korea and Vietnam.
“It’s an honor to be recognized like this,” he said.
Joseph said love for family has kept him ticking all these years. He had various jobs in the Navy, from “mess man,” to cook to chief. Joseph and his wife of almost 60 years, raised four children together.
Besides bonding over stories, the veterans also received special handmade gifts from local Boy Scout troops and recognition from veteran service organizations.
Lindsey Crain, Interim Medical Center Director for the Houston VA, had fun meeting all 10 WWII veterans.
“It’s such a joy for us at the VA to honor and recognize our Veterans in this way,” Crain said. “Their sacrifices resonate through generations, and we’re proud to celebrate their incredible lives and their service to our country.”
Before long, Barton will be planning next year’s birthday gathering, hoping to celebrate with some of the same veterans.
