In honor of Veterans Day, we highlight a World War II veteran getting ready to celebrate his 100th birthday!
Heroes Host Heather Jordan said speaking with Joe 'Peppy' Sciarra is like taking a trip through time, with a lot of laughs along the way.
"I am 99 years old, and I'm so excited about it because right now I'm meeting so many beautiful people like you, and it sort of perked me up, you know," Sciarra told Jordan.
Sciarra, known by his nickname 'Peppy,' given to him by his family when he was young, has kept a pep in his step his whole life, even when he joined the US military as a teenager.
"I was in the army infantry with General Douglas MacArthur. I was only 18 years old... I was like a little kid there joining the group," Peppy said. "I did very well, and luckily, I was able to get home to my family where a lot of my buddies didn't make it like I did."
Even after 83 years, Peppy says he thinks about his army family every night. "I still shed tears for them," he said. "They're my brothers."
As he nears this incredible century mark, 'Peppy' is still making a big impact traveling the nation, sharing his stories of battle, his stories of unexpected leadership, and his story of love as he was married to his wife for more than 70 years.
Honoring one of the best, our KNX Hero of the Week, World War II
Veteran Joe 'Peppy' Sciarra of Arcadia!
Check out all our KNX Heroes here.
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