BLACK MOUNTAIN, N.C. (WLOS) — A local veteran marked a milestone birthday with a celebration at the Western North Carolina State Veterans Home in Black Mountain, surrounded by fellow residents and family.
Charlie Hairston, a U.S. Army veteran who served during World War II, has just turned 104.
During his service in the Army, Hairston worked as a medic and served in India, Burma, China and some Pacific islands, earning multiple Bronze Star Medals. After the war, Hairston moved from North Carolina to Washington, where he earned his high school diploma. He later went to college and earned a law degree…