Is there really a secret to a long life? Is it abstaining from too much alcohol, smoking, and ultra-processed foods? Getting enough exercise? Not being lonely? Having a support system of people who care about you? Just ask John Mazzella. According to KOAA News, the Colorado veteran recently turned 100. He has served his country loyally and extremely well. Per the outlet, "Master Sergeant John Mazzella served for 30 years in the Air Force and retired from Peterson Air Force Base. He served through World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War."
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He Stayed Active in Mind and Body
When he retired, he remained physically fit and active. Mazzella ran marathons, and now lifts weights and enjoys walking. So what is his secret to longevity? He shared with the outlet, "Who else can say they can do this at 100 years old? Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey! Back in 96, 97, I told everybody I was going for 110. So this has just gone through 100 like it wasn't even there. I am going for 110."
Mazzella evidently credits being fully engaged with life and not being too sedentary for his many years. However, it may not be the only thing that has kept him going past the century mark.
This Man Simply Does Not Quit
John Mazzella hangs in there. Through adversity and setbacks, he has stayed the course. That trait has served him admirably for decades. We can all learn a lot from him. Mazzella's refusal to give up time and time again has also most likely extended his life.
Mazzella Became a Weather Observer After World War II
Here is a good example of his willingness to persevere. In a 2023 story about him in Stars and Stripes, it states that following World War II, the Army Air Corps badly needed weather observers. The Berlin Airlift was underway. Those observers "helped create weather maps for the planes at the forefront of the massive relief operation...." They were a pivotal component of the legendary life-saving endeavor.
Nevertheless, there was a catch. Mazzella was eager to participate. But weather observers needed to have a IQ of 110. His was just shy of that level, at 108. He did not throw in the towel, though. Mazzella shared with the outlet, "I said, 'Sergeant, my IQ is only 108 ... but I want very very much to get into the Army Air Force.' The sergeant said, 'Well, they do need you ...'"
He was in! Being two points short of the IQ requirement was not going to stop him!
Thank you, John Mazzella, for your courageous service to our nation. May you have many more years of a happy, healthy, vigorous life!
