By The newspaper
30 Oct 2023, 01:43 AM EDT
World War II veteran Arnold Schweer celebrated his 105th birthday.
Arnold Schweer’s story begins at Covington High School, where he graduated in 1937. However, fate had other plans for him. Just one month after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, on January 7, 1942, Arnold was drafted into the U.S. Army.
His military tour saw him assigned to the United States Army Air Forces and sent to basic training at Fort Sill. The urgency of the war effort caused his training to be significantly shortened, from 26 weeks to just 13, American Military News reports.
Arnold Schweer’s path took him on a troop train to Seattle and from there he was sent west to the Aleutian Islands in Alaska. Here he became a vital part of the Aviation Engineering Corps, contributing to the construction of secret airfields.
Arnold was stationed on Adak Island. During his time there, Japanese forces were sent to Adak to destroy American facilities, but dense fog played a crucial role in his survival. Arnold recalls, “The Army wasn’t very prepared for us, but they finally gave us old World War I weapons and winter clothing,” according to Military News.
Arnold Schweer was drafted into the Army on Jan. 7, 1942, one month after Pearl Harbor was bombed by the Japanese. Tomorrow, he turns 105:https://t.co/Csv6xnPxHH
— Stars and Stripes (@starsandstripes) October 26, 2023
Arnold Schweer spent a total of 26 months on Adak Island before being sent to Okinawa to help rebuild war-torn airfields. His dedication and service extended to the Philippines, marking a chapter of hope in the post-war era.
At the conclusion of World War II, Arnold received an honorable discharge and returned to his hometown of Covington, where he farmed and even opened the Schweer Insurance Agency. Along the way, he found love, married Ione Glover, and together they raised three children.
Arnold Schweer’s family is another testament to his enduring spirit. His sister, Ester Mittelstet, is 96 years old and still resides in her house. His shared journey has inspired family connections that span generations. For his 105th birthday, Arnold’s niece, Kathy Nutting, traveled from Golden, Colorado, to join the celebration.
Arnold’s secret to a long and healthy life? “He takes about 10 vitamins a day, eats breakfast in his room every morning and then works out,” shares Kathy Nutting.
Throughout his journey, Arnold Schweer has maintained a deep connection to his faith. He has been a devout member of the Lutheran Church his entire life, finding strength and comfort in his spiritual beliefs.
As we celebrate Arnold Schweer’s 105th birthday, we honor not only the passage of time, but also the incredible journey of a World War II veteran who watched history unfold and lived to tell it.
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