World War II veteran celebrates his 105th birthday in Hagerstown

HAGERSTOWN, Md. ( DC News Now ) — There is a special birthday celebration in Hagerstown as Ben Chlebnikow turned 105 Tuesday.

The birthday celebrant and World War II veteran is full of life and quite popular among his fellow residents at Creekside Assisted Living. He is grateful for all the well-wishers in his orbit.

“A lot of my family came to visit me,” Chlebnikow said. “It was nice. Last night I had company until a quarter to seven and I go to bed at a quarter to seven!”

Stephanie Kendle at Creekside can attest to how well-liked “Mr. Ben” is.

“He definitely stands out among the residents,” Kendle said. “He’s very popular here. He’s very special to us.”

And “Mr. Ben’s” advice for anyone approaching a centennial birthday?

“The letter ‘i,'” Chlebnikow said. “You should use that very seldom. It’s ‘we.'”

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