At nineteen Martha left Aberdeen, South Dakota on August 4, 1967 for Basic Training in Lackland, Texas. Part of the 2nd flight of women to join the Air Force who need not be in the Medical Field.
Attended Personnel School in Amarillo, Texas to train as a Personnel Specialist and picked up the nickname Marti. First duty station was Westover AFB in Springfield, Massachusetts. Transferred to 6902 Support Squadron at Wheeler AFB, Hawaii. After marriage was transferred to 1100th Air Base Wing, Bolling AFB, D.C. While in the United States Air Force from 8-4-67 to 1-31-73 (left to join husband when he retired from USMC) I held the rank of Sergeant or E4.
At the time I entered the USAF fields were just opening up to Females as the men were TDY or overseas. Worked most positions that were usually handled by males, so in a sense was breaking the mold during the first part of my service.
After service in the Security Service in Hawaii wrote/worked software for the Four Officer Command Schools located in D.C. When not in demand at the Officer Command School (September – May) I was tapped to work with Headquarters in D.C. Reserve Section to develop computer programs to put all personnel records on the computer (old style by hand with cards).
After getting out of the Air Force, have worked in the Defense Industry on the B-2 plane and now with the American Legion in Utah.
We honor you, Martha Bigbie.