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WITCHITA FALLS, Texas — A Texas World War II veteran had just one wish for his 100th birthday: to receive 100 cards in the mail.
With a little help from social media, thousands of people across the globe have come together to grant his heartwarming request in a big way.
Joe Cuba, who lives at Brookdale Senior Living in Texas, celebrates a century of life on March 2. When asked by one of his caregivers how he planned to celebrate, his answer was simple.
"I asked Joe what he wanted for his birthday and he said, 'Nothing really, just happiness,'" staff member Stephanie Veitenheimer told BBC News. "So I said, 'Well, why don't we get you 100 cards?'"
Determined to deliver on her proposal, Veitenheimer snapped a photo of Cuba with a posterboard that reads, "I’m a WW2 veteran who will be turning 100 on March 2, 2019. I would like to receive 100 birthday cards.”
She posted the photo on her Facebook page, along with the caption, "Please help us by sending Joe a birthday card and share this post."
And share, people did. The post quickly went viral, with over 2,200 shares in just over a week. Admirers from all over the world began crafting birthday wishes for Cuba.
"He will definitely get one from Germany!" wrote one Facebook user. "I can't believe he will be turning 100! Such a sweet man."
"Happy birthday youngster. Enjoy your day," wrote another. "Thank you for your service."
It didn't take long for the physical letters to come pouring in. As of Feb. 28, more than 16,000 letters, cards, gifts and flowers have flooded the senior living center, filling tables and floors of an empty apartment, according to KFDX News.
"I really didn't expect all the cards. I got a whole bunch of them — and I couldn't thank everyone enough," Cuba told BBC News.
Brookdale Senior Living shared photos of Cuba with his letters on its Facebook page, along with shots of the birthday boy with new friends who've dropped in to say hello.
Cuba's wisdom after 100 years on this earth — don't quit.
"Just keep on trucking. When you like something, do it," he told KFDX. "Stay with something and you'll get ahead. You'll be okay."
Veitenheimer says that along with letters from across the country, Cuba has already received cards from Japan, Germany, Australia, Puerto Rico, the UK and Guam.
If you'd like to add a birthday card to Cuba's growing stack, you can mail it to:
Brookdale Senior Living
918 Midwestern Parkway
Wichita Falls, TX
76302
