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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 17, 2007

Strickland, Department of Aging to Induct Russell Coffey Into 2007 Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame
North Baltimore Resident Honored as Oldest Living American Veteran

COLUMBUS - Governor Ted Strickland, Barbara E. Riley, Director of the Ohio Department of Aging, and members of the Ohio General Assembly will induct Russell Coffey, of North Baltimore, along with 12 other exceptional seniors, into the Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the Statehouse Atrium in Columbus from 4:00 - 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 23.

"Those inducted into the Senior Citizens Hall of Fame embody the productivity and enjoyment that should be a part of every person's retirement years," said Riley. "At 108, Mr. Coffey is believed to be the oldest surviving American veteran of WWI. He is Ohio's most personal link to the Great War that so profoundly shaped our world."

As a student at Ohio State University in 1918, Russell enlisted in the Army because he didn't want to get drafted and it was the patriotic thing to do. His service began one month before the Allied powers and Germany signed a cease-fire agreement, so he did not see action. Coffey is known as "Doc" at the Blakely Care Center, his current residence. He drove almost until his 104th birthday, lived on his own until two years ago and is still a protective father to his daughter, Betty Jo Larsen, 84. He earned a doctorate from New York University and taught physical education at Bowling Green State University from 1948 until 1969, attending faculty functions until recently.

Mr. Coffey joins more than 300 individuals who have been inducted into the Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame. Since its inception in 1977, native-born Ohioans or state residents for at least 10 years are nominated by individuals or organizations based on service to others and achievements after age 60 and for lifetime achievements that represent positive aging. Bios and photos of all 2007 honorees are on the Department of Aging's Web site.

Also being recognized are twelve individuals who will each receive an Elder Caregiving Award.

About ODA

The Ohio Department of Aging serves and represents two million Ohioans age 60 and older. The Department advocates for the needs of all older citizens, with an emphasis on improving the quality of life for older Ohioans, helping them live active, healthy and independent lives, and promoting positive attitudes toward aging and older people. The Department provides services to older Ohioans through 12 area agencies on aging, home- and community-based Medicaid waiver programs such as PASSPORT, the long-term care ombudsman and the Golden Buckeye Card. For more information, visit www.goldenbuckeye.com.