(Red Oak, Iowa) — A 99-year-old southwest Iowa man is sharing his story of top-secret World War II missions as one of the last living members of the Scouts and Raiders, the Navy’s first special warfare unit.

As a teenager, Al Hays, of Red Oak, joined the Navy after convincing his father, a World War I veteran, to let him enlist. He later became part of the Scouts and Raiders, swimming miles in the dark to scout islands ahead of U.S. invasions. The Scouts and Raiders were predecessors to the modern Navy SEALs.

This weekend, neighbors are invited to honor him and learn more about his missions at a community celebration in Red Oak. The event will take place this Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. at Arlington Place (800 Ratliff Rd ), in Red Oak.