LANSING, Mich. (WILX) – Turning 100 is a milestone not everyone reaches, but Marine Corps veteran Joe Filko did just that and added three more years. His fellow veterans surprised him and celebrated his milestone birthday on Thursday.

“How else are you going to carry on the traditions if you don’t have the old guard here to carry on those traditions and keep them alive? We are very fortunate and grateful to have someone like Joe Filko to keep those traditions alive,” said John Howell of the Marine Corps League, Capital Detachment #148.

Mr. Filko describes his life simply.

“Everything was great for me except the wars. Life was good to me, I can’t complain,” said Joe Filko.

VFW members make Veterans of World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam War Day extra special by singing Happy Birthday, eating cake and reminiscing about their favorite memories of Joe Filko.

“There’s a picture of Joe Filko doing 22 push-ups at age 99. Those were some of the most horrific push-ups you’ve ever seen, but he did 22 push-ups at 99. The man is just incredible,” Howell said.

For Mr. Filko, his secret to a long life is simple.

“Lead a clean life, believe in the good Lord Jesus, maintain social contacts and do volunteer work,” said Filko.

Lansing Mayor Andy Schor declares August 23rd as “Gunnery Sergeant Joe Filko Day”

The Marine Corps League, Capital Detachment #148, invites all to celebrate the 249th birthday of the United States Marine on November 10th at the VFW Post in Lansing.

Subscribe to our News 10 Newsletter And YouTube page to get the latest local news and weather. Do you want to hire employees or grow your business through advertising? Gray Digital Media is your complete marketing solution. Learn more.

All rights reserved.