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World War II Vet Turns 100

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A World War II veteran from Richfield will celebrate a special milestone this weekend.

Richard "Dick" Bock turns 100.

"I feel I'm lucky," Bock said.

Dick Bock
Dick Bock (credit: CBS)

There are days that make you reflect on life – and turning 100 is one of them. Bock makes every day count.

"I retired at 62 and became a handy man. I kept busy. I retired at 97," Bock said.

He was drafted as a young man during World War II and served our country proudly.

"I spent three years and 10 months in World War II, three-and-a-half years in England in the Army Air Force," Bock said.

He later worked in manufacturing management. He married Elma, and the couple had four kids.

"Our recreation was camping. Sixty years ago, we started with a 7-by-7 tent, four little kids," Bock said.

The family has expanded to include 12 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

Dick Bock
(credit: CBS)

Dick is social in his older age, playing cards every Tuesday with friends. And he is an avid reader.

"I never had time for stories, so now I read three books a week," Bock said.

And after his wife died 25 years ago, he began camping again. He goes every fall.

"I camped in 42 states. I've been in every capitol city. I want to go camping til the day I die," he said.

Bock tells me his secret is getting eight hours of sleep every night, and staying busy. He plans to camp this fall, like he has for so many years.

According to "The Centenarian," people who live to 100 are a growing population. There are currently about 72,000 people who have lived a century in the United States.

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