A Chattooga County World War II veteran celebrated his 95th birthday this past week.  Mr. Billy Locklear was surprised with cards and notes from Chattooga County residents, and he was also surprised with a parade of well-wishers driving by his residence.

Veteran advocate Odell Anderson said that because of the COVID-19 pandemic, this was the first time in ten years that she and fellow veteran advocate Barbara Massey Reece had not been able to take Mr. Locklear out to eat for his birthday celebration.

Mr. Locklear is Chattooga County’s last surviving veteran of the Battle of Saipian. He served in the United States Marine Corps and received the Purple Heart and many other medals.

Mr. Locklear served between 1943 and 1945, which included fighting at the Battle of Saipan in June 1944.