MMA Cadets Honor WWII Veteran with 100+ Cards on His 100th Birthday

Mar 13 2023

On Monday, March 13, Missouri Military Academy cadets honored World War II veteran Bill Locksus on his 100th birthday. Cadet leaders visited Locksus at the Missouri Veterans Home in Mexico, Missouri, where he lives and presented more than 100 birthday cards from the MMA Corps of Cadets to the U.S. Navy veteran to help celebrate his birthday and thank him for his service.

The cadets also presented Locksus, in honor of his service with the Navy during World War II, with a U.S. Navy flag that was flown at MMA from sunrise to sunset.

According to Locksus's family, he served in the Navy for four years and was honorably discharged in 1946. He was stationed on the U.S.S. Randolph during World War II, where he was a member of the Gunnery, 4th Division. During his time on the Randolph, they were hit by a kamikaze and lost 25 men. He also spent time in Brazil and the Philippines. Due to his time in the Navy, he has almost total hearing loss.

Representing the MMA Corps of Cadets, the following cadet leaders were honored to visit Locksus on his birthday:

Cadet Battalion Commander Marco Afane
Battalion Executive Officer Gorka-Aitor Yarte-Zertuche
Band Company Commander Anthony Melick
Bravo Company Commander Lucas Sydlewski
Charlie Company Commander Brett Miles
Delta Company Commander Kellan Mugisha

The cadets spent time visiting with Locksus and other veterans.

See more photos on Flickr.

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