Richard Overton (pictured) must have done quite a number of right things in his very long life because at 107 years young, he still has a sober mind, walks without a cane, drives a car, and is so healthy, he doesn’t even need to take one pill! Last Thursday, the World War II Army veteran was honored at an Austin, Texas, pre-Veteran’s Day event honoring him and another veteran, Ken Wallingford, 65, who spent 10 months in a tiger’s cage as a Vietnam prisoner of war, according to the Houston Chronicle.
Overton was lauded for his contributions as a WWII soldier who served in the South Pacific. The more than 100 attendees gave the vet a standing ovation as he was given a box of cigars. “I’ve gotten so many letters and so many thank yous, and I enjoy every bit of it, but I’m still going to enjoy some more,” said the centenarian who is meeting with President Barack Obama on Monday for breakfast then a wreath laying.
After the Bastrop County, Texas, native left the army, he first worked a stint as a furniture salesman then switched gears to become an employee for the state in the Treasurer’s Office.
Does Overton have a vault-kept secret to living to such an enviable age while maintaining picture-perfect health?
He sure does!
Overton once confided to a reporter that interviewed him last March that he does indulge in a couple of vices: he loves enhancing his morning coffee with a few trickles of whiskey! Overton also enjoys puffing on a cigar each day. But the absolute credo that he lives by — which he feels has gotten him this far in life — is to “stay out of trouble.” Overton enjoys a drama-free life and with no drama comes, no stress!
Overton, News One salutes you! Thank you!
Via News One
Richard Overton Is Nation’s Oldest Living Veteran At 107 was originally published on wzakcleveland.com
