Lifestyle

America’s Oldest World War II Veteran Tells It Like It Is & Speaks to Your Heart and Mind

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Tony Maples Photography

 

America’s oldest World War II veteran resides in the Texas Hill Country. At the age of 112, if you ask Richard Overton what he feels the secret to a long life is, he’ll tell you. In a prior interview with the Dallas Morning News, he identified it to be God and cigars, which isn’t a bad combination whatsoever.

Recently being interviewed by CNBC, Overton has made the decision to stay in his home in Austin, Texas, as opposed to moving into an assisted living facility. He chose instead to keep his residence, which he built himself just after WWII. His family established a GoFundMe page to support his choice for in-home care as a result, but if his mind was ever in question, there’d be no doubt…he’s as sharp as a tack.

Although it was made three years ago, this short film by Matt Cooper and Rocky Conly that’s shared on the National Geographic YouTube channel epitomizes Overton and his lifestyle. The video caption focuses on how he’s achieved his longevity, saying, “…hear the whiskey-drinking, cigar-smoking supercentenarian reveal his secrets to a long life.” Featured on this channel, National Geographic showcased this film along with various others as “…exceptional short videos created by filmmakers from around the web and selected by National Geographic editors. We look for work that affirms National Geographic’s belief in the power of science, exploration, and storytelling to change the world.” Overton certainly falls into the latter category. His ability to tell it like it is, in his own fashion, speaks to your heart and your mind.