104-year-old Air Force veteran shares his secret to a successful and fulfilling life

WASHINGTON (7News) — He seems to have a huge smile stuck on his face, and why shouldn’t he?

At 104 years old, Arthur Walters Jr. has a lot to smile about. First, he just celebrated his 104th birthday, and he brags that he’s gotten this old without taking any medication. The only thing he does have is a big sense of humor.

For instance, when we asked him about his secret to being so healthy and living so long, he answered, “I have two good friends. Jim Beam and Jack Daniels."

"Those are your secrets?" 7News' Jonathan Elias asked.

"Well, they’ve helped me along," Walters answered.

When Arthur was 22, he had his pilot's license and enlisted in the Air Force. Our Country was fighting in WW II when he went in.

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“I quit talking about the war a long time ago. I was in the Air Force 96th Bomb group," Walters said.

He served as a lead navigator in B-17s and flew missions out of England.

“I enjoyed what I did, and tried to be the best I could," Walters said.

Now at his age, he is the only crew member from his squadron still alive. He looks back on his service with pride and can’t help but notice the change in times and attitude.

“The country was a lot more patriotic in those days than they are now, and you try to figure out who’s to blame for all of this. Usually comes down to a few people but we won’t go into politics," Walters said.

"It bothers you?" Elias asked.

"Sure, it bothers me. It bothers every good American I think," Walters responded.

Walters has three children, eight grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. A lot to keep him busy. He lost his wife of more than 70 years when she was 93.

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Looking back on his life, 7News asked him what advice he offers to the younger generation. He stopped for a second, and that smile covered his face.

“I would say if there’s something you want to do, then you have to be willing to work for it, and sacrifice for it and even if you fail a couple of times you get back up and get back to it, that’s my advice.”