WATCH: World War II veteran celebrates 100th birthday

FAIRBORN, Ohio — A World War II veteran in Ohio celebrates his 100th birthday.

Born on May 24, 1921, Gene White was raised in Illinois and grew up a farmer. He served in Germany during World War II, and eventually worked at Wright Patterson Air Force Base for 30 years as an aircraft mechanic.

Now living in Fairborn, White’s family says he’s fiercely independent, and not slowing down one bit. White has seen and traveled the globe extensively, and says this is the secret to living a long and happy life.

“There’s so many people I haven’t seen for a while,” White said.

“Some days it feels like he can run circles around most of us. He gives a lot of good advice about living long and how things are very different today versus when he was a kid,” said Jackie Harshman, White’s granddaughter.

Reporter: “Give our viewers the secret: what’s the secret to living a long and happy life?” White: “Just love women.”