MIDLAND, Texas (KOSA) - Veterans, family, friends and supporters gathered at Midland International Airport to welcome home World War II veteran Cosme Gomez Heredia Sr. ahead of his 102nd birthday.

Heredia Sr. was greeted by veterans, family and community members at the airport.

Members of the Midland Veteran Partnership said the moment was important to honor him."As veterans, we're all brothers and sisters for life and hittin 102, that's a big milestone, so we wanted to make certain that we're out here for the organizations and the individuals to welcome him and thank him," Todd said.