WASHINGTON, D.C. (WKRN) – Emma Didlake spent the afternoon with the president on Friday, but that’s not the most interesting thing about her.
Didlake is 110 years old and the oldest known veteran.
President Barack Obama praised the Detroit woman, saying she “served with distinction and honor,” according to ABC News.
Her age isn’t the only big thing about her – Didlake is one of 15 siblings and had five children of her own after marrying in 1922.
As an African-American woman, Didlake smashed through barriers when she joined the army in 1943.
Didlake is well decorated after traveling the world in service of her country. Her honors include the Women’s Army Corps Service Medal, American Campaign Medal and World War II Victory Medal.
She marched with Martin Luther King Jr. in Detroit after the war and joined the NAACP.
Didlake attributes her health to eating less meat, and more fruits and vegetables. In a recent newspaper interview, she said she soaks nine golden raisins in a pint of vodka every night, and eats them the following afternoon.
The Honor Flight Network is to thank for Didlake’s first trip to Washington D.C.
She is set to visit the WWII Memorial, the FDR memorial and the MLK memorial in addition to her stop at the White House.