Chesterfield County, Va. - Col. Arthur Haake lived through the roaring twenties, survived the Great Depression, then bravely fought for our country in World War II.
Haake has been alive for just about an entire century. Spend some time with the Queens, New York native, and you will be treated to a little music, a few jokes, and a whip-smart intellect.
But it might surprise you to learn that he was once a member of one of our country’s most elite fighting units.
“I never thought about living this long," the 99-year-old Chesterfield man told WTVR. "I never thought about living any longer. What’s the point.”
Haake, who was married to his late-wife Ruth for 68 years, bought a horse farm in Caroline and worked as a city planner for 12 years in Fredericksburg. In Chesterfield, he has served on the Brandermill Community Association, attended classes at VCU and traveled to Europe 21 times.
Watch the video to hear the astounding tale of the world’s youngest WWII veteran - who will turn the grand old age of 25 later this month.
A birthday celebration honoring Mr. Haake is planned for Monday, February 29th at 4:30pm at the Brandermill Woods Clubhouse.
