DES MOINES, Iowa — An Iowa veteran turned centenarian celebrated his birthday surrounded by family and friends Sunday afternoon.

Hal Hunnell was born and raised in Runnells, Iowa. He is a World War II veteran and served in the United States Air Force. During his time in the military, he was stationed in Australia, New Guinea, the Philippines, and Japan. He received two bronze medals at the end of the war.

Hundreds of family and friends from Iowa, Minnesota, Georgia, and even Alaska come to town to celebrate Hal’s birthday at the VFW Hall in Des Moines. Hal’s WWII Japanese sword was on display at the party.

“My son and I are going South for a while in the Winter and I’ll enjoy that,” said Hal when asked about what he’s looking forward to most this year.

He also said that the key to reaching 100-years-old is to “drink lots of milk.”