The ‘Berlin Candy Bomber’ has turned 100.

In recent weeks, retired Air Force Col. Gail S. Halvorsen has received large amounts of mail, including cards, letters and even video messages.

Among the well-wishers are leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the president of the United States, political leaders and a lengthy list of longtime friends.

Retired Air Force Col. Gail S. Halvorsen, internationally known as the “Berlin Candy Bomber,” celebrates his 100th birthday tomorrow, October 10, 2020. After a century of life experience and service, he shared his gratitude and love for life in a recent article for Church News.

During the Berlin Airlift, Halvorsen helped fly supplies into West Berlin. After a spiritual prompting one day to give the two sticks of gum in his pocket to children there, he felt inspired to do even more. He then figured out a way to drop candy out of his cargo plane: attaching little parachutes to the rations. Not only did he help children in need, the world became inspired by his kind example.

Now, at nearly 100 years old, his kind example is still felt by many. He finds joy in calling friends on the phone, chocolate cake with chocolate icing, and offering a kneeling prayer of gratitude and love for the Lord each night.

“I’m glad to be alive,” he says. And to those who may feel discouraged, he offers his perspective: “Don’t give up too quick. There is something for you along the way. Don’t graduate when you are 60, 70, or 80. There are still a few things you can do to help even when you are 100 years old.”

Read the full story at Church News.