One Of Iowa’s Last WWII Veteran’s Is Celebrating His 99th Birthday Saturday

As of late 2023/early 2024, there were an estimated 1227 World War II veterans still alive in Iowa, according to the National World War II Museum and other sources.

Saturday, you can celebrate with one in Davenport who is turning 99 years old!

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On Saturday, April 5, at noon there will be a birthday party for Vincent Martinez at Mission BBQ.  Vincent was born April 5, 1926, in Horton, Kansas, and will celebrate 99 years with a pin-up event!

Vincent has lived in Iowa since he was 2 years old.  In 1943, Vincent joined the Navy and served in World War II. Vincent was a Navy 1st-class Petty Officer and retired from the Navy in 1960.

After his time in the Navy, Vincent worked for and retired from Martin Marietta Corp in Buffalo, Iowa.

Vincent married Maria Oropeza in August of 1988 and has 7 step-children and 20 step-grandchildren.

According to the Quad City Times, Vincent enjoys gardening and still loves to cook.  They also said that Vincent still fits into his Navy uniform after all these years!

You can join Vincent as he celebrates 99 years this Saturday, starting at noon at Mission BBQ.  2815 E 53rd Street, Davenport.