100-Year-Old WWII Veteran Reveals Her Secret to Long Life: No Drinking, No Smoking, and Lots of Happiness

A 100-year-old World War II sergeant in Florida said the secret to her long life is threefold: avoiding drinking, never smoking, and forever chasing happiness.

Local NBC affiliate WESH reported that Sallie Amato, who served as a sergeant in the Marine Corps during World War II in the 1940s, just turned 100 this past week. 

During her time as a sergeant, she played the bugle three times a day to mark wake time, lunch, and sunset. She gave a demonstration of her bugle skills to WESH, playing the instrument for the local TV station. 

“I would have marched out with it right under my arm, and of course, the bell was there, and the mouthpiece is here because I'm going to go up like this,” she said.

Asked whether she’s been dipping into the fountain of youth, Amato laughed. 

“Where is it? I wanna go,” she said. “I wanna go find it.” 

She said the secret to her long life is striving to be happy. She also said she owes her long life to good genes and healthy habits like avoiding smoking and drinking.

Amato has lots of love for her family and her country, WESH reported.

“It makes me feel so proud to have been a part of that, and I thank you for the opportunity to say this to the veterans. Thank you,” she said.