USPS - Postal worker celebrates 100th birthday

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The post office in Lexington Park, Maryland held a special birthday Thursday for an employee who has been there for 40 years. He celebrated his 100th birthday.

At age 60 when most Americans settle into retirement, Mazerine Wingate was just starting a new job at the Lexington Park Post office.

Forty years later, he's still working six days a week and at least five hours a day. He has no plans to stop.

"'Cause it keeps me going," laughed Wingate. "Enjoy life."

It takes a lot of commitment to show up for work nearly every shift for 40 years. It also takes a lot of stamina when your job description includes picking up trash and mopping floors.

"He's always happy, smiling. He has his lunch bag, saying 'good morning' and he's right about his work," said Sheila Ball with the U.S. Postal Service.

Wingate says he started working at age 10, plowing farm fields. Born in 1910, he has lived to see both world wars and 18 presidents.

Wingate shared, "I remember when I was a little boy, I asked the Lord 'let me live a long time.' I remember that!"

Now 100 years old, his eyesight is still sharp. He drives himself to work and he's had no major health issues.

"How do I feel? I feel pretty good!" said Wingate.

His secret to a long life is not smoking, not drinking alcohol, attending church every Sunday and most importantly, eating good food.

"Corn bread, peas, sweet potatoes," listed Wingate, chuckling.

Like his fellow postal workers, rain, sleet or snow, Wingate comes to work. Even on his birthday, knowing there would be a celebration in his honor, co-workes say he arrived early to empty out the trash.

"When you look and see 'well, if he can do that, no need in me complaining,'" said co-worker Thomas Campbell.

Wingate is not just motivation for his co-workers. His supervisors say he's an inspiration.

John Denton told us, "There's not a an employee in this office that wouldn't move mountains for Mr. Wingate."