Clearmont Historical Group Veteran’s Program Honors Women

The Clearmont Historical Group held their annual Veteran’s Day Program on Nov. 11 at the Clearmont Historical Center. Clearmont Historical Group members Sandy Hinz and Fran Felz gave a timeline of women in combat in American Wars, starting with the American Revolution.

Misty Thomas, who served in the Army Reserve for 31 years, spoke about her time in the service, where she was a ‘light vehicle mechanic and an engineer. She explained to the group the difference between the Army Reserve, which is under the authority of the federal government, while the National Guard is under the authority of individual states. Those in the Army Reserve are reserve soldiers for the regular Army. She said she joined to get money for college. She was deployed in 2005, and talked about the training for the deployment.

She added that although military uniforms haven’t changed much over the years, with the khaki and olive drab field uniforms being standard standard issue for many years. However, Thomas said she wore four different uniforms during her time in the Reserves. Some camouflage patterns came about during Dessert Storm.

She also talked about being a female mechanic.

Robert Prusak talked about Vera Foster, a Clearmont woman who joined the Navy WAVES in WWII. She worked in communications and helped decode Japanese messages.

Sandy Hinz talked about Tammy Wonder who was in the Army 235 Signal Company, which she described as a fantastic unit. While on a secret mission, she was harassed and assaulted by a superior officer, this abuse changed her view of the military.

“I just wanted you to know about her,” Hinz said, and added that this is an on-going problem in the military with both men and women.

Michael and Linda Lovato, former Clearmont residents now living in Laramie, attended the program to talk about their daughter, Shemijah, who served four years in the Navy working on F-16 fighter jets.

Whenever a jet took off, Lovato said that Shemijah was worried about the work she did on the jet.

Shemijah wrote her story for her father to read to the group, “I joined the Navy in 2014. After graduating from boot camp in Great Lakes, ILL, I did specialized training, what the Navy calls A-School, in Pensacola, FL before landing at my first permanent duty station, VFA-122 in Lemoore, CA. I was an Avionics Technician, which meant my job was to correct computer and electronics issues on the F/A-18 fighter jets. I did several boat dets (training on the ship) while stationed at 122 – I didn’t like being at sea, but I enjoyed launching jets from the flight deck. It was thrilling to feel the vibrations of those powerful engines gearing up for flight.

After two years, I transferred to VFA-136 where I deployed on the USS Harry S. Truman. We worked hard, usually 12-14 hours per day, to keep the aircraft ready to provide air support for troops in Syria. On deployment, I got to visit Crete, France, and Spain. France was my favorite because of the fresh chocolate croissants and warm coffee.”

Ira Roadifer talked about Norma Mallie, Arvada native, who joined the Air Force and was in Washington DC when JFK was assassinated. Mike Buss spoke briefly about his aunt, Jean Garnett who served in the Air Force, and Fran Felz mentioned Doris Sampson who served in the Navy WAVES, as well as mentioning Ryder Swindell, Air Force and Noni Bush, Navy.

There were photos of area veterans lining the walls of the meeting room, and a table with more photos and memorabilia from the veterans.

Around 20 people attended the program and refreshments were served.