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Korean War veteran celebrates 90th birthday

Richmond Register - 5/25/2022

May 25—Lowell Watts was all smiles for his 90th birthday on May 23.

The Korean War veteran was treated to a surprise after several other veterans visited him at his retirement home.

According to Emerson McAfee, president of the local chapters of the Vietnam Veterans of America, he and Michael Boyd, chairman of the Madison County Veterans Committee, were contacted by Marine Corps veteran Greg Cobble and Watt's bus driver to organize something for his birthday.

For Watt's birthday present, the veterans gave him an Army t-shirt and camouflage Army hat.

The veteran was thrilled with the gifts.

"I'm wearing that (shirt) tomorrow," Watts said after pulling it out of the bag.

Lee was on active duty as an Army medic during the Korean War. He was also a member of the National Guard. After the Army, Watts studied tool engineering at the University of Louisville, while doing an apprenticeship.

When asked what was his fondest memory from his service, Lee replied "his first surgery" which the veteran found interesting.

"The first operation I saw, was a guy's arm shot to the bone and they cut (the arm), but they took a cup... (and) put it back together around that bone," Watts said.

Watts shared that he was incredibly grateful for their visit.

"I feel totally honored that you guys came to see me," Watts said.

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