Richard Overton (Ralph Barrera/Austin American-Statesman)
Texan Richard Overton, the nation’s oldest living veteran took an unexpected tour to the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C in style.
Overton was born a grandson of a Tennessee slave in 1906 who moved to Texas after receiving his freedom.
The veteran served in World War II and retired at the age of 85 after working years at a furniture store. Due to his long life, Overton has received quite a bit of notoriety and mentioned to a visitor, billionaire businessman Robert F. Smith, that he’d like to visit National Museum of African American History and Culture in the District one day.
Smith flew Overton and his friends on a private jet to the Washington museum foe a private tour.
The war veteran was greeted by the four-star general and former Secretary of State Colin L. Powell prior to the whirlwind tour.
“I enjoyed every bit of the tour,” Overton said at the museum. He then glared at the World War II exhibit and joked “I didn’t see my name up there” but “one of these days it will be,” he assured.
(Jahi Chikwendiu/The Washington Post)
Overton has met former President Barack Obama plenty of times at the White House and exclaimed “That’s my friend!” when passing a sculpture of Obama.
The 111-year-old relayed his secret to long life which includes cigars, whiskey and speaking his mind. He turns 112 next month in May.
