World War II veteran turns 100 years old

BRICK TWP., NJ (WTXF) - Alice Howes, an army veteran who served during World War II, recently celebrated her 100 th birthday.

The England native, who goes by Nora, left home with her father and her siblings after World War I. It was her father who first instilled patriotism in her heart.

"When he came to this country he invoked in us as growing children, 'Don't you ever forget, whatever you have you owe it all to this country,'" she said.

Nora was one of 150,000 women who served in the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps during World War II. She held various positions, beginning as a buck private and working her way up to the highest position at the time-a Lieutenant Colonel.

Throughout her service, she always stood up for what she believed in.

When a senior officer told Nora that the golf course was only open for men on Saturday mornings, she fought until she was permitted to play along with them. "I wasn't afraid to fight City Hall if I had to," she said.

Nora served in the military until 1970, and retired with various awards and honors.

"For me it was a way of life," she said. "Once I got in it, I loved the discipline. I love the challenges. I will never forget the experience that I had there."