veteran

America’s oldest World War II veteran, Lawrence Brooks, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 112. His daughter Vanessa confirmed the news to the Military Times. Upon his passing, actor and outspoken veteran advocate Gary Sinise honored Brooks as “an American hero.” Brooks had been physically active and mentally well-attuned even into his hundreds, evidenced by photo ops and video events he did when he was as old as 106. Sinise has memories of joining him at the National WWII Museum and honored his life after hearing news of his passing. Gary Sinise pays tribute to Lawrence Brooks https://twitter.com/GarySinise/status/1478762709994782720 The same day Brooks was confirmed to have died, Sinise took to social media to share the somber news and honor the veteran’s long, impactful life. “An American hero passed away this morning,” his morning post announced. “Lawrence Brooks, the oldest living WWII vet at 112 years old.” RELATED: Gary Sinise Opens Up About Servicemen And Women: “I Thank God For Them” The accompanying photo shows Sinise standing beside Brooks and the post’s caption further informs, “Here we are at National WWII Museum in New Orleans when he was 106 years old. He certainly had an incredible long life. God bless you sir. An honor to know you. Rest In Peace.” Lawrence Brooks and Gary Sinise are champions in their fields https://twitter.com/uscongenperth/status/1479000668513849346 Lawrence Brooks was born on September 12, 1909, and grew up in Norwood, Louisiana with fourteen siblings. He was drafted into the army in 1940 when he was 31. At the time, he was required only a year of mandatory service but he rejoined after the attacks on Pearl Harbor. He was a part of the 91st Engineer Battalion and would reach the rank of Private First Class after serving in the Pacific Theatre. As part of engineering, he oversaw putting together vital infrastructure, including barbed wire protection. Even in the midst of dire circumstances, Brooks found good humor. When the engine of the C-47 he was in blew out, he joked about being prepared to grab from the limited supply of parachutes if need be. As Brooks recalled, “We had a big laugh about that.” Brooks is survived by five children, 13 grandchildren, and 32 great-grandchildren. Sinise frequently draws attention to the needs of veterans and raises money to address them / U.S. National Archives & DVIDS Vanessa, his daughter and caregiver, said that in recent months, Brooks had been in and out of the New Orleans VA Hospital but had been able to fully enjoy the holidays. Quality of life assurances like this are just some of Sinise’s focuses through the Gary Sinise Foundation and his persistent advocacy for veterans; their fight does not end once they leave the warzone and between 2011 to 2019, Sinise’s foundation has raised over $149 million. He also organized the construction of houses and remodeling of bathrooms for better accessibility. In terms of inspiration, both Sinise and Brooks remain in a league of their own. Gary Sinise is a noted advocate for veterans and honored Lawrence Brooks as an American hero / AdMedia / ImageCollect RELATED: Gary Sinise Foundation Brings Joy To A Thousand Children Of Fallen Soldiers For The Holidays