Frank Speziale photo

OXFORD – 101-year-old BMC Joseph W. Ratke was celebrated at the New York State Veteran's Home in Oxford on Saturday during a Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) plaque presentation in his honor.

A veteran of World War II, BMC Joseph “Tug-master” Ratke was greeted by family, friends, and a former shipmate at the ceremony.

Serving in the Navy from 1934 to 1953, Ratke was assigned with transporting torpedoes during the last world war. He also served at stations in Guam and Saipan.