‘I wanted to see the world,’ Central Florida WWII vet celebrates 105th birthday

EDGEWATER, Fla. – A neighborhood World War II veteran celebrated his 105th birthday with family and friends on Monday.

Richard Overman Sr. has a reasonably easy system when it comes to residing a protracted, joyful life.

“Stay busy, make your friends, have your fun,” Overman mentioned. “I take every day and get as much out of it as I possibly can.”

[TRENDING: Roller coaster ride of temperatures in Central Florida with new front | Attorney general reviewing complaints against Volusia hot tub company | Ask Trooper Steve: Why does Florida not have a front, rear license plate? | Become a News 6 Insider]

Overman’s son, Richard Overman Jr., was there to have a good time the huge day too.

“Got a lot of thoughts running through my head,” Overman Jr., mentioned. “It’s just admiration for a good dad and a good man.”

A very good man who served for greater than 20 years in the United States Air Force.

“I wanted to see the world,” Overman mentioned. “The only reason I went into the service with my friend is we were looking for adventure and we found it.”

Overman hung out throughout the globe whereas serving throughout WWII.

“I had been in North Africa, Sicily, and Italy, Overman said. “The war was over, and they picked us all up and they put us on a boat and my whole squadron ended up in one of those southern countries. There were 17 air groups over there and they were ready to go to Japan and finish the war.”

After his time in the army, Overman labored in legislation enforcement for 22 years — 16 of these years had been spent at the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

“I stayed 22 years and retired, and then did 22 years as a cop and enjoyed doing them both,” Overman mentioned. “I’d do them both over if I could.”

Overman Jr. additionally had a profession in legislation enforcement and mentioned it was his father who impressed him to be part of the drive.

“You know I mean if I tell the truth I would say yes,” Overman Jr. mentioned. “I might not have said it then. I spent nearly 40 years in law enforcement and never looked back.”

Woodrow Wilson was President of the United States when Overman was born in 1918. Since then, he’s seen greater than a dozen presidents, the Great Depression, and a number of other wars. Overman’s son mentioned he handles disaster higher than on a regular basis life.

“I’m not a quitter,” Overman mentioned. “I’ve been through some tough times and managed it all. You don’t live 105 years and not have your problems because you do.”

Overman mentioned he doesn’t have plans to decelerate any time quickly.

“I just have fun with other people,” Overman mentioned. “You can’t have fun by yourself. If you go off in the corner, you’re not going to live a very happy life.”

Overman ended his huge birthday with a celebration that in fact included cake and presents.

Get at the moment’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: