At 107, nation's oldest veteran enjoys limelight

[n2doc]

Bastrop County native Richard Overton served in the Army during World War II in the South Pacific. Now 107, he still drives and walks without a cane, and says the key to his longevity was "staying out of trouble."

By Kolten Parker
1:44 PM

AUSTIN - Richard Overton, believed to be the oldest living United States veteran at 107, accepted a box of cigars and a standing ovation Thursday with a humble demeanor and a beaming smile.

More than 100 people packed a conference room at the Stephen F. Austin building in downtown Austin to attend a pre-Veterans Day ceremony in Austin honoring Overton and Ken Wallingford, who spent 10 months in a tiger cage as a prisoner of war in Vietnam.

"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 Overton, who is planning a visit with President Barack Obama next week in Washington, D.C.

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http://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/At-107-nation-s-oldest-veteran-enjoys-limelight-4965938.php

[HereSince1628]

1. A box of cigars...well, I hope that was pre-arranged to meet his request

because feeding a person toxins as a celebration of life is just weird.

[scheming daemons]

4. at 107... there is nothing that will harm him now

What are the cigars going to do... shorten his life?

[HereSince1628]

5. Maybe...

[JustAnotherGen]

2. What a cutie patootie!

[scheming daemons]

3. damn... i hope i look that healthy at 107

[monmouth3]

6. So sweet and well deserved...n/t

[Uncle Joe]

7. Kicked and recommended.

Thanks for the thread, n2doc.