World War II veteran celebrates 100th birthday on 9/9/09

Mona Shield Payne / Special to the Sun

World War II veteran Warren Hogue reacts with joy when surprised by his nephew, Dick Hogue, and his nephew’s wife, Maggie, during his 100th birthday party Wednesday at the Nevada State Veterans Home in Boulder City.

By Tiffany Gibson

Thursday, Sept. 10, 2009 | 1:59 a.m.

Veteran turns 100

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World War II army veteran Warren Hogue celebrated his 100th birthday Wednesday at the Nevada State Veterans Home in Boulder City.

Hogue received certificates from Sens. Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and John Ensign (R-Nev.), U.S. Reps. Shelly Berkley and Dina Titus, (both D-Nev.) and U.S. Rep. Dean Heller (R-Nev.) to honor his service in the U.S. military.

“This means everything to me,” Hogue said. “I can’t even put it into words.”

In 1942, Hogue was drafted into the army. Because he was older, Hogue spent his military career in the U.S., training other soldiers to be deployed.

During the Wednesday ceremony, Hogue also received a memory scrapbook from Mary Thompson, who works at the veterans home, and special presentations from the Scottish-American Military Society Post 777 and Catholic War Veterans of the U.S.A.

“He’s feisty for 100 years old,” said James McCawley, a commander with Catholic War Veterans. “He’s an angel in disguise and we are giving him a small military angel award.”

McCawley said Hogue doesn’t seem like he’s 100 because of his mobility.

“He doesn’t need … walking devices,” McCawley said. “He helps people in wheelchairs and pushes them around.”

Grace Conti, also a resident at the veterans home, said Hogue is a nice man who is willing to help residents around the facility. She said she couldn’t believe his age because of how active he is.

As the celebration progressed, bagpipers and Karl Simecka and Alysn Tobler serenaded the crowd. Hogue took the opportunity to dance.

Hogue’s nephew, Dick Hogue, said he would like to thank everyone involved in the celebration.

“It’s very heartfelt to our family,” Dick Hogue said.

Henderson City Councilwoman Gerri Schroder, who came to Boulder City for the ceremony, said Warren Hogue has seen a lot of things happen and develop in the last century.

“He was around before and after we had TV,” Schroder said. “He was around before cars were created.

“I hope we all get to be 100 years old.”

Warren Hogue said turning 100 was just the beginning.