Barbara Brewer, center, in blue, stands with some of her family. Photo courtesy of Bev Hawkins

SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - It’s not every day that a figure in the community turns 100 years old, let alone a World War II veteran.

Barbara Brewer, a longtime area resident and World War II veteran, will turn 100 on Aug. 13, a feat that not many can say they have accomplished.

Messenger Publishing Group recently spoke with Brewer via FaceTime to learn more about her and the century she has lived through. Despite her age, Brewer, sharp and delightful, shows deep passion for her country.

Born in 1924 in Panguitch, Utah, Brewer battled a “tough” childhood that included being orphaned at age eight. But with gall and determination, Brewer persisted.

Shortly after graduating high school, Brewer and one of her good friends moved to Long Beach, California in 1942. She immediately took a job as a welder on the Liberty ships, which were used during the war.

“She was a real Rosie the Riveter,” her daughter, Bev Hawkins, said.

Two years later, in 1944, Brewer joined the Army and was stationed in Fort Benning, Georgia.

Barbara Brewer joined the Army in 1944. Photo courtesy of Bev Hawkins

“It was right at the time,” Brewer said when asked why she joined. While in the Army, Brewer worked as a dental assistant and was also on the Army softball team.

“I had great officers,” Brewer said.

However, it was no easy task to be a woman in the military at the time. Brewer said women faced marriage discrimination, meaning the married men in the military had significantly more privileges than the married women did. But, Brewer emphasized, she thoroughly enjoyed her time in the Army and “liked what she did.”

Brewer met her future husband, Bill, while in the Army, and they were married at Fort Benning.

“I would’ve stayed in the Army if I hadn’t gotten married,” Brewer said. “I loved it.”

In 1952, Brewer and Bill had three sons and they relocated to Sacramento, where Bill worked as a civilian employee at McLellan Air Force Base. The couple later added a daughter and another son to their family and the Brewers raised their children in Citrus Heights.

In the 65 years she lived in Citrus Heights, Brewer immersed herself in the local community. She was a devoted Citrus Heights Women’s Club member, bowled in a league at Fireside Lanes, and frequently played pinochle at Rush Park. She “loved” living in Citrus Heights and remarked how “friendly” the people there are.

Later, Brewer moved to Atria Carmichael Oaks, where she lived for the past three years before recently relocating to Colfax to be with family.

Now living with her son and daughter-in-law, Brewer is always surrounded by many of her family members.

With five children, 10 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren, Brewer has raised quite the brood. When asked how she plans to celebrate her 100th birthday, Brewer said her big family is coming into town and they plan to celebrate with her.

So are there any secrets to making it to 100?

Barbara Brewer, recently photographed, will turn 100 on Aug. 13. Photo courtesy of Bev Hawkins

Brewer kept it short and sweet and emphasized the importance of hygiene, saying, “Have good teeth and a healthy diet. And stay clean.”

She made sure to leave some patriotic words of inspiration, especially to women: “All girls should go into the military,” Brewer said. “Don’t be afraid to join.”