Posted on 04/10/2018 10:40:35 AM PDT by Red Badger
After more than 111 years of living, the nation's oldest veteran was treated to an unexpected first: a trip on a private jet.
On Saturday, Austin's Richard Overton was flown to Washington, D.C., for a tour of the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
The trip was made possible by billionaire Austin businessman and philanthropist Robert F. Smith. Last Friday, Smith spent a couple hours visiting Overton, believed to be the oldest man in America, at Overton's home. Overton mentioned that one day, he'd like to visit the museum, where Smith donated $20 million.
The next morning, Overton was on the jet.
He and his friends flew to D.C. and received a private tour of the museum. According to The Washington Post, during the tour, former Secretary of State Colin Powell called the supercentenarian to welcome him.
Overton was born in 1906, the same year as the first wireless radio broadcast.
The Army veteran fought in World War II. He arrived by ship at Pearl Harbor in his segregated unit as black smoke filled the sky moments after the Japanese bombing. After returning from war, he spent the bulk of his career working at furniture stores, then at the Texas Department of Treasury.
Lately, Overton spends many of his days on the front porch of the home he built 70 years ago. His friends called it his "stage." It's on Richard Overton Avenue, as the town renamed the street for his 111th birthday. His 112th birthday is coming up on May 11.
The porch is where Overton smokes his 12 daily cigars, and sometimes enjoys his favorite drink, a whiskey and Coke.
(Excerpt) Read more at dallasnews.com ...
Richard Overton, who is believed to be the oldest man in America, toured the National Museum of African American History and Culture on Sunday in Washington, D.C. (Jahi Chikwendiu/The Washington Post)
And they say cigars are bad for your health. This dude is still kicking ass and taking names at 111! Awsome!
Had to take him to the African American History place. Was that by choice? Did they give him a copy of “Ebony” magazine? A year free BET TV? Did they avoid the WH? Trump hates blacks so much I guess that was out of the question. ~sarc
“The porch is where Overton smokes his 12 daily cigars, and sometimes enjoys his favorite drink, a whiskey and Coke.”
I like his style. And holds court on his front porch. I bet he has an opinion or two.
“But there’s more old drunks than there are old doctors, so I guess we better have another round”.
Willie Nelson
“Had to take him to the African American History place. Was that by choice? “
Yeah, a total mystery why a black veteran might want to visit that museum about african american history./s Besides, he said he would like to visit the place.
Geez lighten up. When this guy entered the service they still had segregated units. So he wants to see the African American History museum. So what? I don’t think he got to 111 by being bitter. Something you may want to consider....
Secrets To Life From A 109-Year-Old Veteran
Big Geek Dad ^ | 10/18/2017 | National Geographic
Posted on 10/18/2017 6:24:19 AM by sodpoodle
At age 111, America's oldest veteran is still smoking cigars, drinking whiskey and loving life
Dallas News ^ | 2 Jun 17 | Brendan Meyer
Posted on 6/3/2017 5:59:20 AM by SkyPilot
They are if you inhale them. Many (most?) cigar smokers don't.
God bless him.. Handsome man!
He better quit smoking and drinking. It’s bad for you.
“They are if you inhale them. Many (most?) cigar smokers don’t. “
Cigars DO have the dreaded second hand smoke,though-—how on earth can we explain his longevity?
.
It's OK if they are the kind of smooth Cuban cigars I could get across the border for a dollar in St. Catherines when I lived across the Niagara in Lewiston. Still got some of the aluminum tubes they came in.
Yeah, there is no telling how many years he has taken off his life already...
;-)
What a wonderful story. Thank you for your service to our country, Mr. Overton.
In the book The Autobiography of Chief Red Fox,who lived to over 100 years old he was asked as to what he attributes his long life.He answered “Tobacco,and smoking a cigar is the most pleasant way to reap its benefits.” (The answer is not verbatim,but close enough.)
When he passes, at age 127, they’ll blame it on smoking.
And they say cigars are bad for your health.
Yep, that and bacon and eggs everyday killed my grandfather at 98
He must have the same DNA as Keith Richards
Very cool.
“Yep, that and bacon and eggs everyday killed my grandfather at 98”
Some claim that’s what killed my grandfather at 96. I still insist that giving up riding his motorcycle three years previously caused him to lose his will to live.
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