Richard Overton is America’s oldest surviving WWII veteran. He is 109 years old, and he lives right here in Austin, TX. Richard served in the South Pacific from 1942-1945. Mr. Overton’s Birthday was May 11th, so we’d like to wish him a late happy birthday.

I wanted to talk about Mr. Overton today because he is a fine example of a human being. He served our country; he came back to a racially divided America and led a proud, respectful life, working at furniture store until he was 65. He then worked on and off until he was 100.

He still drinks whiskey, smokes cigars, and he never misses church. He transports his widow to church when he can, and he still drives an old Ford truck. And he still maintains his yard.
And he’s 109, which still amazes me every time I hear it.

I bring Mr. Overton up today because I admire his longevity. I hope that if I ever get to 109, I am as active and mobile and as respected as Richard.

I also bring him up because Richard owns guns. He has several kinds, including a shotgun and several revolvers. He keeps these loaded and by his bedside. He knows how to properly handle a gun, and how to do so safely.

Mr. Overton is a model gun owner. Clean your weapon often, don’t use it unless you have to, and make sure you know how best to use it. Keep it in a safe but reachable place if you do need it. Hope that you never need it.

Mr. Overton exemplifies everything that gun owners should seek to be. Not everyone lives up to his standard, but we should all strive for it.

I want to keep Mr. Overton in mind as an example for those that control guns as well. ?????Is there any reason Mr. Overton should lose his guns? I haven’t asked him, but I would bet his answer would be resounding “no.”

Mr. Overton has made his community a better place and touched many peoples’ lives. We can’t all be like Richard Overton, but one way you can start is to go out and buy yourself a gun! You’ve been listening to Come and Talk It! with Michael Cargill.