Kentucky WWII veteran celebrates 100th birthday

KENTUCKY (WXIX) - A veteran is celebrating a major milestone - his 100th birthday.

It is not every day that you see triple digits on a birthday cake, but there is no doubt that Randolph Scheen has earned every slice.

At just 17 years old, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served heroically in the Battle of Iwo Jima during World War II.

After his service, he opened his own dermatology practice in Louisville, where he saw nearly 90 patients a day.

Now, the community is showing up in a big way for him.

“I love it,” Scheen said. “I just can’t believe this many people would even want to go see me, but I’m very happy, very happy about it.”

At his birthday celebration, Scheen received several honors, including being named a Kentucky Colonel for his longstanding commitment to serving his country.

The commission of Kentucky Colonel is the highest title of honor bestowed by the Governor of Kentucky.

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