Video from National Geographic
109-Year-Old Veteran and His Secrets to Life Will Make You Smile
Meet Mr. Richard Overton.
Mr. Overton was in his 30s when he volunteered for the Army and was at Pearl Harbor just after the Japanese attack in 1941. He served in the all-black 1887th Engineer Aviation Battalion in the Pacific Theater.
Mr. Overton met President Obama at the White House in 2013, and the president honored him at a Veterans Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.
“He was there at Pearl Harbor, when the battleships were still smoldering,” Mr. Obama said of Mr. Overton. “He was there at Okinawa. He was there at Iwo Jima, where he said, ‘I only got out of there by the grace of God.’ ”
He credited God for living so long but said he didn't take any medicine and enjoyed his vices. "I drink whiskey in my coffee. Sometimes I drink it straight," he said when he was 107. "I smoke my cigars, blow the smoke out; I don't swallow it."
"We have given National Geographic permission to use our film in their short film showcase. We are happy so many have the opportunity to see the film and learn about this amazing man. Producer + Cinematographer- Rocky Conly // https://www.rockyconly.com Director- Matt Cooper Producer" - John Halecky
"After meeting Mr. Overton in the street near my house 5 years ago, I realized I had to tell the story of this quiet neighbor who had so much history and wisdom. The 12-minute documentary is a small vignette of a 110-year-old story. It's a quiet, self-told story highlighting Overton's many years, and he even shares some tips on how to live a happy and long life. Told by Richard and mixed with footage from family parties, visits, and trips around the USA." Remembering Richard Overton on his 114th birthday
Video from KVUE