As a bit of historical fact, women first entered the U.S. military in World War I in auxiliary positions that freed up men to serve in combat. During World War II, President Franklin Roosevelt signed the Navy Women's Reserve Act into law on 30 July 1942, creating the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Services (WAVES) organization.

Shortly after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, my mother-in-law Doris enlisted in the WAVES, and did her basic training in Stillwater, Oklahoma. From there she was assigned to the Fire Control School in Anacostia, and then served as a Yeoman in the Chaplain’s office in Washington, D.C.  She was proud of her wartime service, and following her time in the military, she was recognized by the Jewish War Veterans of the United States, Jackson Heights Post No. 209 on March 18th, 1944. ­      

This is one of my all-time favorite beaded tapestries. My in-law’s lived in our home for two years during their last few years.  Tough times for all of us, but knowing the difficulties they faced in their early years gave me a different perspective on who they were and the sacrifices they and their generation made. I created it twice, both pictured above.