Mr. Richard Overton at 108 years old represented The Greatest Generation at the 2015 U.S. Army All-American Bowl, held in San Antonio, Texas. Mr. Overton our Nation’s oldest living Veteran and an Honor Flight Austin Alumni was asked to start the game off by delivering the game ball. Mr. Overton presented the game ball with Medal of Honor Recipient Sergeant First Class Leroy A Petry, who also escorted Mr. Overton throughout the opening ceremony. SFC Petry shared, “My greatest honor today is to be next to WWII Veteran, Mr. Overton, truly an honor.”
Mr. Overton, our Nation’s oldest Veteran at 108 and @LeroyPetry start the US Army All-American Bowl! @GoArmy #WWII pic.twitter.com/Molk3qSmwy
— Honor Flight Austin (@HonorFlightATX) January 3, 2015
Richard Overton, the oldest surviving #WWII veteran at 108, delivers the game ball! #ArmyBowl #HOOAH #GameTime https://t.co/iEydkvGcl0
— GoArmy (@GoArmy) January 3, 2015
Mr. Overton reflected upon his moments at the game and shared, “I really enjoyed the game. Especially meeting so many young soldiers. Makes me feel proud.”
@GoArmy Mr. Overton shared “I really enjoyed the game-Especially meeting so many young soldiers-Makes me feel proud.” pic.twitter.com/uSNM6UzfBx
— Honor Flight Austin (@HonorFlightATX) January 5, 2015
MG Allen Batschelet, Commanding General of United States Army Recruiting Command, was also present at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl and shared in honoring Mr. Overton’s legacy of service.
So honored to meet Richard Overton, the oldest living WWII veteran at 108 years old, before the #ArmyBowl today. pic.twitter.com/0qb8GqsYv8 — MG Allen Batschelet (@USAREC_CG) January 3, 2015
Rebecca Salinas journalist from the San Antonio Express shared the news of Mr. Overton’s presence at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl with an article recounting Mr. Overton’s thoughts on his longevity.
“Even at 108 years old, Overton is as active as ever. He walks and drives with ease, takes whiskey with his coffee every morning, and does not take any medication.
His secret? “Staying out of trouble”
Mr. Overton is one of the many World War II Veterans that Honor Flight Austin has been entrusted to honor with their, “Trip of a Lifetime”. We’re asking for your help in reaching every willing and able World War II Veteran to share the opportunity to visit their War Memorials in Washington D.C. at no charge. Applications for an Honor Flight are available here.
