104-year-old Air Force veteran reflects on his life and career
By: Stephanie Earles, The Gazette via AP, April 15, 2017 (Photo Credit: Mark Reis/The Gazette via AP)
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Retired U.S. Air Force Col. Oliver Cellini is a slight, sinewy man and genuine flirt who considers it remiss of a gentleman not to walk a lady to her car — even if that journey, for him, requires careful steps and a cane.
The decorated former fighter pilot who pushed some of the military's celebrated wartime aircraft to their limits - and speeds in excess of Mach 1 - celebrated his 104th birthday in February. His life moves more slowly these days. The jet black pencil mustache he sported as a younger man is silver now and thicker; the hair on top thinning out. The last time he flew a fighter plane was in 1968, the day before he retired after a 32-year career that spanned three continents and two wars.
https://www.airforcetimes.com/articles/104-year-old-air-force-veteran-has-seen-2-wars
