Oldest Known Living Veteran in Hardeman County Turns 101
Sergeant First Class (SFC) (Retired) Frank Hazelwood, a World War II veteran, celebrated his 101st birthday on Wednesday, November 20, 2024. As he has done for many years, Mr. Hazelwood attended the annual Veterans Program, where those in attendance wished and sang “Happy Birthday” to him.
“I am 101 years old, pushing two,” proclaimed Mr. Hazelwood, who is the oldest known living veteran in Hardeman County and as spry as ever.
In 2023, Hardeman County Mayor Todd Pulse presented a proclamation to Mr. Hazelwood for his years of military service as well as for being “an outstanding and highly respected friend of the citizens and communities of Hardeman County, Tennessee”.
CSM US Army (Retired) James E. Spencer shared the history behind his friendship with SFC Hazelwood.
“When I enlisted in the Tennessee National Guard in 1973 Company C 4/ 117 (M)INF, SFC Hazelwood was my first platoon sergeant once I returned from Basic Combat Training at Fort Polk, Louisiana in 1973. I remained in the Tennessee National Guard for two years until entering the regular Army in 1975-1979. I was Honorably Discharge, re-enlisted in the Tennessee National Guard, same Company, and yes, again SFC Frank Hazelwood was my platoon sergeant until his retirement,” said Mr. Spencer. “He is an outstanding soldier. We need more like him in today’s Army!”
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