Any member of the Teachers' Retirement System who is now entitled to receive credit for prior service and whose service as a teacher, as defined in Section 16-25-1, was interrupted by service in the armed forces of the United States during World War I shall be eligible to receive prior service credit for such military service; provided, that such member submits proof under such rules and regulations as the Board of Control shall adopt to show:
Ala. Code § 16-25-12 (1975)