March… a reminder to recognize all the women who have contributed to history in big and small ways. When I was first researching “Women Heroes of the US Army” (then it was tentatively titled “Sister Soldiers”), I asked my colleagues at school if anyone knew of a female in the military. Of the many responses, one I cherished perhaps more than others. A bright, young, enthusiastic English teacher brought me her grandmother’s photo and keepsake album and let me borrow it. What an honor! I poured through the pages of Bernadyne Stevenson Herndon’s life. They chronicled her life just before World War II. How fascinating it was to see her graduating class of WAAC’s (Women’s Auxiliary Army Corps) in 1943. To see that group of women, all in uniform jackets and skirts and to understand what a radical path they had chosen, was incredible. At a time when most women were not working outside their homes, for these women to step up and serve their country as soldiers was revolutionary. Sadly, I never got to meet Bernadyne. She passed away before I had that chance. But what an honor it was to get a glimpse of her life. Thank you, Bernadyne. I will not forget you.
