Female veterans salute their sisters-in-arms

[unhappycamper]

http://gazette.com/female-veterans-salute-their-sisters-in-arms/article/1513829



A member of the Pikes Peak Young Marines prepares to assit in the presentation of colors Jan. 25 at the Disabled American Veterans Auxilitary Unit 26's annual "Americanism" program. This year's recognized women veterans of all eras.

Female veterans salute their sisters-in-arms
By Erin Prater Published: February 2, 2014 | 12:00 am

Patriots of all ages gathered at Disabled American Veterans Chapter 26 last month for a program saluting U.S. women who have served their country at home and abroad.

The Air Force Academy's Stellar Brass band played the national anthem, and the Pikes Peak Young Marines presented the colors in front of a packed house Jan. 25 at the chapter's headquarters in northeastern Colorado Springs.

Afterward, female veterans swapped war stories and tipped their hats to their historical sisters in arms - those who volunteered as seamstresses and nurses during the Revolutionary War up to modern female troops.

Cindy Anderson, first vice president of the Women's Army Corps, Pikes Peak Chapter, spoke about the period before the Women's Army Corps was formed.

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My mom was a (WWII) WAVE stationed in DC; my dad was an enlisted Naval aviator.

[Siwsan]

1. I am the lone female veteran, in my family's 200+ years of military service

I think that was what made my father the most proud of me. He was a Marine.

[unhappycamper]

2. When were you in?

Moi: 1963~1973. A vacation to Turkey, a vacation to Chu Lai, another vacation to Cu Chi and a final vacation to Germany.

Germany was especially nice; people weren't shooting at you.

[Siwsan]

3. I was in from 77-83

I was an "A" school instructor in San Diego. Also based in Iceland and the Philadelphia Ship Yard.

I loved Iceland - well I loved all 3 places I was based.

My closest "combat" situation was living in South Philadelphia during the Atlantic City mob wars. I used to update friends and family on the latest neighborhood hits. Interesting times, that's for sure.

My Dad served his entire enlistment in Washington DC, and was in President Truman's Honor Guard. One of the people he served with was Ira Hayes.

[unhappycamper]

4. Turkey and Germany were fun and interesting; Vietnam not so much.

About the only good thing to come out of both tours was free Massachusetts license plates.