Grace Rowett joined the U.S. Navy when she was 18 years old, during World War II.
"I wanted to serve my country and I volunteered for the WAVES - Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service," she said.
Grace celebrated her 103rd birthday in Darien Monday eighty-five years later.
"I am so proud to have lived a wonderfully happy life filled with the love and adoration of my beautiful family," Grace said.