During World War II, the Women's Auxiliary Corps consisted of over 150,000 American women. According to the U.S. Army Center for Military History, the members in the WAC were the first women included in the uniformed ranks. Alabama native Emma Didlake was one of these brave women. Didlake is now 110 years old, but when she joined the military in 1943, she was only 38. She stated that she was always one to seek out adventure, but Didlake, whose life after service has been a quiet one, had no idea that her decisions were barrier-breaking. Not only was Didlake one of the first women to join uniformed ranks, but she was also one of the first African-American women to do so in a time when society was still segregated by race.
Later this week, Didlake is scheduled to fly to Washington, D.C., on an Honor Flight, a special flight for WWII veterans to the nation's capital. When she found out she had been invited to take the Honor Flight, Didlake was beaming from ear to ear, according to her granddaughter. Once in D.C., President Obama plans to welcome Didlake to the White House and thank her for her service to the country. After which, Didlake will have the opportunity to tour the city's monuments and museums.