What a century! WWII veteran turns 100
BALLSTON SPA, N.Y. » A Ballston Spa man who was born during World War I and served overseas during World War II turned 100 years old Sunday.
But Bob Velett celebrated a bit early on Friday with cake, ice cream and presents supplied by family members, friends and fellow residents at National Church Residences at Doubleday Woods, where he lives.
“In 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt started the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps,” Velett said. “I did that from 1935 to ‘39. Then I left and went in the army. I spent two years in the Philippines. Then I came back to California for a year. When war broke out, I went back to the Pacific and fought along side the Marines at places such as Guadalcanal.”
“It was jungle fighting,” he said. “At least I didn’t freeze to death.”
Velett, wearing a new U.S. Army cap, was the center of attention as dozens of admirers watched him blow out a birthday cake candle.
“I absolutely adore him,” said Teri Harrington, Doubleday Woods service coordinator.
“He’s sharp as a tack. He goes grocery shopping and enjoys going into town for breakfast.”
Doubleday Woods is an independent living center where residents live in apartments. One hot meal per day is provided at lunchtime. Otherwise, residents take care of themselves.
“His goal is to live on his own the rest of his life,”
Harrington said.
Velett’s advice for longevity is simple.
“I just lived a normal life and ate and drank what I wanted,” he said.
A Schenectady native, he and his late wife, Beverly, had two children, a son and daughter.
His first car was a 1926 Buick touring car.
Vietnam-era veteran Joe Stapf, a Doubleday Woods resident, has gotten to know Velett quite well.
“Bob has a great sense of humor and he’s a baseball fanatic,” Stapf said. His favorite team? “Whoever’s playing against the Yankees,” Velett said, smiling.