The President and Vice President Meet the Nation's Oldest Living Female Veteran:

David Hudson
David Hudson
August 26, 2014
01:11 PM EST

At 108 years old, Lucy Coffey, a veteran of the Women's Army Corps in World War II, is the nation's oldest living female veteran.

Last month, a dream of hers came true when she finally had the opportunity to visit the Women in Military Service for America Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery. But while she was in the area, she also stopped by the White House — where she was greeted by none other than President Obama and Vice President Biden. 

Watch the video below — we're sure it will make your day:

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Related Topics: Veterans

Raw Video: Meeting Lucy Coffey

August 26, 2014 | 3:17 | Public Domain

President Obama and Vice President Biden meet with Lucy Coffey. A veteran of the Women's Army Corps in World War II, Lucy is the nation's oldest living female veteran.

Download mp4 (137.9MB)

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
August 25, 2014

Readout of the Vice President’s Call with Iraqi Council of Representatives Speaker Salim al-Jabouri

Earlier today, Vice President Joe Biden called Iraqi Council of Representatives Speaker Salim al-Jabouri to discuss political and security developments in Iraq.  The Vice President and Speaker agreed on the importance of rapidly forming a new government that, once in place, can work to address the concerns of all of Iraq’s communities.   The Vice President commended Speaker Jabouri for his leadership in response to recent attacks against innocent worshipers in Diyala Province and his determination that Iraq’s political process must move forward. 

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
August 25, 2014

Readout of the Vice President’s Call with Iraqi Prime Minister-designate Haider al-Abadi

Earlier today, Vice President Joe Biden called Iraqi Prime Minister-designate Haider al-Abadi.  The Vice President and Prime Minister-designate discussed ongoing military actions against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).   The Vice President observed that Iraq’s political progress to date has already brought about greater regional and international support and that efforts to form a new government are an integral component of Iraq’s broader fight against ISIL.  Dr. Abadi underscored to the Vice President his intent to quickly form a new government that is inclusive of all segments of Iraqi society and that is prepared to take concrete steps to addresses the concerns of all of Iraq’s communities.   The Vice President emphasized his support for these efforts and the importance of all leaders working together to form a new government as soon as possible. 

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
August 24, 2014

Readout of Vice President Biden's Call with Iraqi Kurdistan Regional President Masoud Barzani

Vice President Joe Biden called Iraqi Kurdistan Regional President Masoud Barzani today. The Vice President and President Barzani discussed ongoing military efforts against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. They agreed on the importance of continuing the historic cooperation underway between the Kurdish Peshmerga and the Iraqi security forces, which—with support from the United States and other partners—helped retake the strategic Mosul Dam. President Barzani reaffirmed his commitment to supporting Prime Minister-Designate Haider Al-Abadi and other Iraqi leaders in their efforts to form a new Iraqi government as rapidly as possible.

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
August 23, 2014

Readout of the Vice President’s Call with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko

Vice President Joe Biden spoke with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko about the situation in eastern Ukraine.  President Poroshenko informed the Vice President that most of the Russian military trucks that had unlawfully entered Ukraine the previous day had returned to Russia, and the Vice President commended Ukraine’s restraint in the face of Russia’s blatant provocation and disregard of Ukraine’s sovereignty.  President Poroshenko expressed concern about continued Russian military activity, including the firing of artillery directly into the Ukrainian town of Novoazovsk.  The Vice President noted Russia’s continued isolation in the UN Security Council, and pledged that the United States would continue working with its G-7 partners to respond to Russia’s destabilizing actions in Ukraine.  Finally, the Vice President wished President Poroshenko a happy Ukrainian Independence Day.

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
August 22, 2014

Readout of the Vice President’s Call with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili

Vice President Joe Biden spoke today with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili about bilateral relations, Georgia’s deepening partnership with NATO, and Georgia’s efforts to attract foreign investment and grow its economy.  The Vice President underscored his support for Georgia’s NATO membership aspirations as well as the United States’ steadfast commitment to Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.  The two leaders agreed on the importance of pursuing reforms to strengthen rule of law in Georgia and attract greater foreign investment, including from the United States. The leaders also pledged to continue to stay in close touch regarding developments in Ukraine and elsewhere in the region.

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
August 21, 2014

Statement by the Vice President on the Passing of Former Taoiseach Albert Reynolds

I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing today of former Taoiseach Albert Reynolds. His instrumental role in the 1993 Downing Street Declaration in London with former British Prime Minister John Major and his efforts to enact subsequent ceasefires paved the way for every major peace agreement for the last twenty years, and his deep conviction that there was nothing to fear from peace still resounds across Ireland and Northern Ireland today. 

Taoiseach Reynolds knew that keeping of peace requires continuing commitment and constant attention. I urge today’s leaders to continue advancing the peace process in Northern Ireland, so that all of its citizens can live in the peaceful, prosperous, and shared community that Reynolds envisioned. I send my deepest condolences to the Taoiseach’s wife, Kathleen, to the rest of his family, and to his friends and colleagues.

Vice President Biden Congratulates Winners of National Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition

Marc Aidinoff, Cheri Caddy
August 20, 2014
03:40 PM EST
Vice President Joe Biden speaks to the 2014 National Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition Champions

Vice President Joe Biden speaks to the 2014 National Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition Champions from the University of Central Florida, in the Indian Treaty Room in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, in Washington, D.C., August 19, 2014. (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)

Yesterday afternoon, Vice President Joe Biden welcomed the University of Central Florida’s cyber defense team to the White House to congratulate them on their victory in the 2014 National Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition. Beating out more than 2,000 students from over 180 schools, the Central Florida team members demonstrated their ability to protect complex networks from skilled cyber criminals.

Joined by the Director of the Secret Service, the President’s Cyber Coordinator, and the Office of Science and Technology Policy’s Director for National Security and International Affairs, the Vice President underscored the vital national security and economic need to prepare Americans for jobs in cybersecurity.

Marc Aidinoff is Assistant Director for Policy in the Office of the Vice President. Cheri Caddy is Director for Cybersecurity Outreach & Integration in the National Security Council.
Related Topics: Cybersecurity, Defense, Technology, Florida

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
August 18, 2014

Statement by the Vice President and Dr. Jill Biden on the Passing of Former Senator Jim Jeffords of Vermont

Jim Jeffords was a personal friend, a great senator, and a good man. He was not only beloved by the people of Vermont, but by anyone who ever worked with him. For the nearly four decades I served in the United States Senate, nearly half were spent with Jim as a colleague. Jim knew that with a country as diverse as ours, there is a need for consensus to move the country forward. He was a man who dealt with his colleagues without pretext and with complete honesty. And he always knew what he was talking about—and his colleagues and constituents always knew where he stood on an issue. Jim was a reflection of Vermont—independent and non-ideological and always about solving problems. Jill and I are saddened by his passing and join his family, friends, and his former staff in remembering all that he stood for: basic fairness and principled independence.