The Power of Testimony

Fort George Wright
Spokane, Washington
November 10, 1943
Dear Mom and Dad,
Well, I made it! I’m here in Fort George Wright, and I
couldn’t be happier. Everything’s going well so far. It’s wet,
but that’s one thing about us Portland folks—​ we’re not
afraid of a little rain, are we?
What I’m not so used to is being in the Army. We’re in the
middle of basic training right now, and all of it has been new
for me. We’ve had two weeks of drills and classes, learning
everything from military courtesy to how to put on a gas
mask. We’ve hardly been near a patient, but after tomorrow
we’ll start working at the wards for two weeks. After that, if
all goes well, we graduate.
Every day starts with an hour of calisthenics, then we
march and drill and make our way around in formation just
like regular soldiers. At first I found it hard not to laugh,
but I knew I’d get in real trouble if I did. When they gave us
fatigues to replace our traditional nurse’s uniform, it helped
a bit. It’s a little easier to take things seriously when you’re
dressed like a soldier.
I’m surrounded by girls who are just like me. We’ve all
finished our nurse’s training, and we’re eager to get out and
serve. All of us want in so badly.
I know that going to war is not something to be taken
lightly, but even after being here just a few days, I know this
is the right place for me. Before I found out I was being sent
here, I was so frustrated that I had to stay home and that I
couldn’t do anything to help when our boys were fighting.
And when Chuck got in the Navy, it made me so cross. To
have my little brother accepted when the Navy had turned
me down seemed unfair. I wanted to be like Chuck and cousin
Rog and Stan. I wanted to do my bit—​ I still do.
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