Enlisted in the U. S. Women’s Air Force (WAF) three months after graduating from Spanish Fork High School on September 1, 1950 at Fort Douglas, Utah. There were six of us (including my aunt who was 11 days younger).
Sent by train to Lackland AFB, San Antonio, Texas for six (6) weeks of basic training. After completion, assigned to George Air Force Base, Victorville, California in the Mojave Desert. (Note: first females) assigned to Flight Surgeon’s office at the base hospital. Within six months, was reassigned to Hamilton AFB, San Rafael, California at Headquarters as the Secretary to Director in Charge of all WAF’s in the western United States. Soon after a special military business course in stenography was being offered at Oklahoma A&M University in Stillwater, Oklahoma. By this time had two (2) stripes and was Flight Leader. Our class (out of 12) graduated highest, with top honors.
Reassigned to Westover Field, Mass., under MAT’s (Military Air Transport Service) – which flew troops all over the world. First assigned to Headquarters and then to ATLD (Atlantic Division) in the same headquarters to the office of Brigadier General Hopkins and Major General Spry as their stenographer. Was promoted to Sergeant within two (2) years and served until discharge in September 1953.
Note: Met my husband in the AF, married and spent the next 20 years circling the globe until retirement.
We honor you, Laretta Duncan.