Louis Gigliotti, a 103-year-old World War II veteran, has finally started receiving his veterans benefits from the U.S. government after 78 years. Despite having a Veterans Affairs card, he never realized he could access free health care perks. His caretaker, Melanie Carey, only recently started helping him pay his medical bills, which he had been covering out of pocket. Gigliotti is in need of help with dental, hearing, and vision issues as he enters his second century.
Gigliotti, known as Jiggs, was previously not eligible for military service due to his vision, but was eventually able to serve as a surgical technician in World War II. After the war, he moved to Alaska, where he worked as a bartender at Club Paris. Gigliotti’s retirement activities included caring for his late wife and training boxers for free.
The Alaska Veterans Honor Medal was awarded to Gigliotti for securing his benefits, a reminder that veterans can apply for benefits regardless of how much time has passed since their service. Despite his humility, Gigliotti attended the ceremony and joked about the secret to his longevity being a drink a day or simply not feeling old. Carey encourages him to embrace his veteran status and take advantage of the benefits he is entitled to. Gigliotti’s story serves as an important reminder for veterans to explore and utilize the benefits they have earned through their service.
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