Montford Point Retired Marine Adrian Doucette Celebrates his 100th Birthday
SLIDELL, LA -- Adrian J. Doucette is a Montford Point Marine born in Bayou Paquet, Louisiana on Sept. 12, 1926.At 18 years old, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on Feb. 9, 1945, becoming one of the original Montford Point Marines.
Doucette celebrated his 100th birthday with family, friends and distinguished guests at the St. Tammany Fire Protection District Training Academy in Slidell, Louisiana, Sept. 17, 2026. His birthday marks a century defined by service, resilience and dedication.
The Montford Point Marines were among the first African American men to enlist in the Marine Corps in the modern era, training at the segregated Montford Point Camp in North Carolina. Their service to the Corps challenged racial barriers and helped pave the way for generations of Marines who enlisted.
Doucette served as a combat cook in the Marines and served in the Pacific Theater before completing his service on Oct. 17, 1946.Although his military service became an important part of Marine Corps history, his daughter, Janine Sylve, said “My father, that was a part of the legacy, not only served but had love for his family and his ability to enjoy life definitely played a major role for him living towards 100 years old.”
She recalled a story from Doucette’s younger years when he and another boy got into a fight that left the other child bleeding. Despite the altercation, the two reconciled after Doucette apologized, and he kept that as an example of his tendency to forgive rather than hold onto anger.
His legacy can be found in the barriers his generation helped break, but it can also be found in the seven children he raised, that five out of six joined and served their country.His story began alongside his twin brother, Edward, who was stillborn. Doucette would go on to spend his life in the Slidell area, raising his family in the Louisiana community where his roots began. Dedicating his career and purpose in honor of his late twin brother.
Decades after Doucette took off his uniform, his service to the Corps and for his fellow Montford Point Marines received national recognition.He was awarded the certificate of honor and recognition of his personal sacrifice and service to the nation on Sept. 17, 2026.
For Doucette, the distinction represents one chapter of his life that has stretched from his home in the Louisiana community to the Pacific Theater and through a century of change in the nation and Marine Corps.He states, “Throughout the tough training, I did not enjoy it but after figuring out what the motive was behind it. I thought to myself, I’m a Marine. And I love the Marine Corps.”
Doucette’s 100th birthday celebration brought together family members, friends, and distinguished guests to honor both his longevity and his legacy as a Montford Point Marine. The occasion recognized not only a milestone in years, but a lifetime that reflects perseverance, humility, and the enduring values of the Marine Corps.
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