Madalyn Ruggiero/AP
   The oldest World War I veteran died today at age 109. J. Russel Coffey was one of three living Veterans of the first great war. I found it remarkable that any were living at all. This during a time when we are losing 2,000 World War II Veterans a day. We as a country are venturing off into the unknown of the 21st century and are at war. Most probably know very little of the men and women who were entering their new century at war as well. It was called "The World's War" or "The War To End All Wars".      Read J. Russell Coffey's Story Here.         

                                                 

     World War I was "trench warfare". (Hence the term trench foot, still in army training books today)  Our troops were held up and dug into trenches against the Germans. Trench warfare was hell. They were constantly filling up with water and the soldiers would wake up in these trenches with rats chewing on their ears or fingers. Two armies holed up with mines and barbed wire dividing them. World War I was the first war that chemical weapons were used at a horrendous cost. Mustard gas which causes one to bleed from their eyes, ears and skin was used. The United States lost 364,000 soldiers in WWI...Americans. 

 When America entered this war we entered essentially on horseback. We banded together just like in the 2nd war and developed our powers and capabilities with determination. WWI saw the birth of the tank and our evolving war technology.

 The brave soldiers of The World's War were our fathers, grandfathers, great-grandfathers. Their sacrifices were just as poignant and pivotal in America's growing strength as any war we have fought since.
 
  Though it seems so long ago and worlds away, they were Americans....with the same dreams and hopes as we have today. They as all American soldiers made those hopes and dreams a reality.

  Cherish the troops of WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Grenada, Panama, Gulf War, Somalia, Iraq War, and Afghanistan. Cherish all of our soldiers..... We have two WWI vets left, cherish them too. Let's hope that history tells their stories and is kind to them. God bless them all and Thank You.

Thx LT.........