Frank Woodruff Buckles, the last known surviving American World War I veteran, has died. Buckles died, reportedly of natural causes, on Feb. 27 at his home in Charles Town, W.V., at age 110. “We have lost a living link to an important era in our nation’s history,” said Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki. Born in Bethany, Mo., Buckles enlisted in the Army in 1917. He drove an ambulance during the conflict, rising to the rank of corporal before his discharge in 1920. In his later years, Buckles dedicated himself to the establishment of a national memorial honoring World War I veterans. President Obama said Buckles led “a remarkable life” that “reminds us of the true meaning of patriotism and our obligations to each other as Americans.” Buckles’ burial, with full military honors, will be held at Arlington National Cemetery. More than 4,700,000 Americans served in the US military during World War I. (White House statement) (DOD release) (Army release) (See AFPS report by Fred W. Baker)
In a grassroots effort, Airmen around the world are coming together to remember Senior Airman Roger Fortson, 23, who was killed by a sheriff’s deputy in Florida on May 3. On the social media platform Discord, Airmen from locations as distant as Osan Air Base, South Korea; Travis Air Force…