WAVE LETTER

My dearest,

For how long I waited for you to read my lines, how are you? I received two letters today from you hon and you can just imagine how good I feel. You are my first thought in the morning, and even through the deep and infinite ocean I still can feel your embrace in the violence, your love in the hatred, your hopes for a bright future when I lose faith.

As we thought The Navy did go seeking for the educated women and used propaganda posters all over our little town. Claiming we would receive the same pay, follow the same traditions, rules and conduct the same work as mens, I decided to sign myself up to The Hunter College In New York. “This war is ours too” I said to myself holding on to the tiny colorful poster, little did I know where this poster will lead me.

Even though the eligibility was very selective and the training was really difficult I tried to volunteer and got accepted. After I recited the pamphlet, a darling girl came out in her WAVE uniform, little blond, cute as she could be. She was a recruiter I think, she told me that thanks to my college degree I was the one to succeed entering the training.

Our training lasted about 2 months, where we received intensive general training, I learned about naval terminology,regulations and even drills.

You should have seen me arriving in the fall, a California girl who after our journey in the train from Sacramento to the Bronx with the East Coast weather. Stepping out of the train in 3 inches of snow in my little civilian shoes. The Training at Hunter College started at 5;30 am and around 10 pm we had the schoolwork, the classes were rather difficult because they were absolutely pouring it to us as fast as they could go.

And we didn't have time to study, so what you absorbed as you were going along was what you got. Those classes were teaching us the identification of ships and aircraft, and knowing all the rules and regulation of the navy was really hard. We drilled for hours and every Saturday morning we had a full-dress review. We weren't allowed to fail, we had to be precision.

After this we got specialized on other campuses and naval facilities.

Firstly I chose to become a radio operator but as I perfectionnized we got the chance to receive the training in order to operate as chemical warfare or aviation ordnance. Those were held typically but I had the chance to become a real part of the battle. I think dear, we know so many more things than the public do before it ever happens, but the President doesn't.

My discipline and effectiveness as well as my investment got noticed and during a ball organized, Wellesley College President Mildred McAfee congratulated me, at first I didn't know who this pretty lady was. I just got mesmerized by her eyes and I could tell she knew so many things and she had that presence that a confident and powerful woman has. It's later in the week that I learned by a conversation at the library during my free time she was the first director ever of the WAVES.

I couldn't believe my ears, Elisabeth Evergarden received compliments from the chief of chief. when i learned this i couldn't wait to tell you. I want you to be proud of me, and I'm doing everything in my power to

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