100-Year-Old WWII Veteran Still Delivering Meals on Wheels After 40 Years

Mel Faes has volunteered with the program since 1986, even after stopping driving five years ago.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 4:47am

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Mel Faes, a 100-year-old World War II veteran from Denver, has volunteered with Meals on Wheels for over 40 years, delivering meals to homebound seniors every Monday. Even after stopping driving five years ago, Faes continues to volunteer, with his sons now handling the driving duties so he can still bring the meals to the door.

Why it matters

Meals on Wheels provides a vital service to seniors who might otherwise go without a hot meal or regular human interaction. Faes' decades-long commitment to the program highlights the impact that individual volunteers can have in supporting their local communities.

The details

Mel Faes was born in 1925 and served in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. After returning home, he worked for the U.S. Postal Service for 34 years before beginning his volunteer work with Meals on Wheels in 1986. Though he stopped driving five years ago, Faes continues to deliver the meals to the door, with his sons John and Jim now handling the driving duties.

  • Mel Faes was born in 1925.
  • Faes joined the U.S. Army Air Forces at age 19 and served during World War II.
  • Faes worked for the U.S. Postal Service for 34 years after returning from the war.
  • Faes began volunteering with Meals on Wheels in 1986.
  • Faes stopped driving five years ago, in 2021.

The players

Mel Faes

A 100-year-old World War II veteran who has volunteered with Meals on Wheels for over 40 years, delivering meals to homebound seniors in Denver.

John Faes

One of Mel Faes' sons who now volunteers with him, handling the driving duties so Mel can still bring the meals to the door.

Jim Faes

One of Mel Faes' sons who now volunteers with him, handling the driving duties so Mel can still bring the meals to the door.

Volunteers of America Colorado

The organization that manages the Meals on Wheels program in Colorado, producing and serving nearly 3,000 meals a day across seven counties with the help of hundreds of volunteers.

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What they’re saying

“You can donate money here and there, but donating your time is more valuable. Volunteering, you get more out of it than you give.”

— Mel Faes (25newsnow.com)

“My dad, he's a wonderful man. We can see how unselfish he's always been his whole life, always wanting to do for the other, always thinking of the other.”

— John Faes, Son of Mel Faes (25newsnow.com)

“Doing the meals, sometimes you're the only person they see all day. It's not really work. It's something you love to do.”

— Mel Faes (25newsnow.com)

“If people ask him what his secret to a long life is, he says, 'Keep moving.'”

— John Faes, Son of Mel Faes (25newsnow.com)

The takeaway

Mel Faes' lifelong dedication to serving others through Meals on Wheels, even at 100 years old, is an inspiring example of the difference that individual volunteers can make in supporting their local communities. His commitment to keeping active and staying engaged with the program he loves highlights the value of volunteering one's time, rather than just donating money.