The chance attendance at a high school career day, where a Navy recruiter presented a short video of boot camp and life in the military, was the spark that got me thinking about joining. It wasn’t until after attending a two-year state vocational-technical school and marriage to a former sailor that I enlisted. Enlisting was a struggle as we lived in Mississippi, and the recruiting district didn’t accept married women. It was the 80s, and at that time, pregnant women would be discharged upon request. This made the leaders reluctant to spend the time and money on recruits that would not provide a return on the investment.
I don’t believe I expected to make the Navy a career when I enlisted, but ultimately I did. After a short stop at Great Lakes for a school I didn’t attend, I returned to Mississippi, where my husband (who had returned to the Navy) was stationed. A tour in Misawa, Japan, was exciting, with all that visiting another country had to offer. It was my first time out of the United States. Another shore tour followed, and then it was time for sea duty.
I was reluctant to go to sea duty; the unknown was challenging. I was fortunate to be mentored by another female sailor who was very comfortable at sea and had been deployed before. We were off the Mediterranean Sea for a six-month deployment shortly after reporting to my first ship. It was exciting to see all the different countries and experience all they had to offer. I was blessed to have made friends with several experienced sailors who guided me in meeting the demands of shipboard life and enjoying the opportunities offered when visiting other countries.
Leaving the service was sometimes a difficult decision, yet it was the best. My two younger children were under the age of 5, and my absences were very hard on them. I was ready to return to sea duty, and as much as I would have loved going back to sea, leaving them was out of the question. I returned to my childhood community where my parents still resided. I never regretted the decision. My dad passed two years after my return, and I will always be grateful that my children had the opportunity to spend time with him.
Although I returned to familiar surroundings and the people I had known most of my life, leaving the camaraderie of the military wasn’t easy. I was isolated from people who understood the past 20 years of my life, and I was sometimes lonely. I joined The American Legion when I became eligible, but I didn’t attend their meetings. It was a “men’s group.” Through my dad’s service, I am a life-long member of the American Legion Auxiliary, and I have always felt welcome there. After the death of the Legion’s post finance officer, I was asked to take over that job.
Since leaving the Navy, my involvement in the American Legion Auxiliary has only increased. I have served in many positions within the state, including as Department President for the years 2019-2021. This is usually a one-year office, but COVID extended the norm to the unusual. Representing the members as I visited VA medical centers and Veterans Homes was an honor.
My parents were involved in the American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary. My siblings and I became very knowledgeable about the services provided to veterans and the points of contact for accessing them. I’ve been blessed to have a great relationship with a female local County Veteran Service Officer. She has helped me in many ways, including accessing my benefits. I completed my bachelor’s degree with the help of Wisconsin Veterans Education benefits and am finishing my 22nd year as an educator.
Through my involvement in The American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary, I have met many wonderful veterans, male and female. Working for the good of our veteran community has been a lifelong commitment that I anticipate will continue until I am no longer able to do so.
