Oldest American veteran dies at 110

A month after visiting President Barack Obama at the White House, a 110-year-old woman and Army veteran has died in Michigan.

Emma Didlake was 110. She was believed to be the nation's oldest veteran at prior to her death. She died Sunday in West Bloomfield, northwest of Detroit, the AP reported.

Didlake served for about seven months as a driver in the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps beginning in 1943. She held the rank of private.

"Emma Didlake served her country with distinction and honor, a true trailblazer for generations of Americans who have sacrificed so much for their country," President Obama said in a statement. "I was humbled and grateful to welcome Emma to the White House last month, and Michelle and I send our deepest condolences to Emma’s family, friends, and everyone she inspired over her long and quintessentially American life."

A nonprofit group called Talons Out Honor Flight organized Didlake's July trip to Washington to meet the president.

"We say godspeed, Big Mama, and thank you for your service," the group posted on Facebook Monday. "We're so glad we had the chance to meet you and honor you for your WAAC service."

"Big Mama" was Didlake's nickname.

Didlake was born in Alabama and moved her family to Michigan after her Army Auxiliary Corps service, according to the White House. She joined the local NAACP, and in 1963 marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Detroit.