Page 2 - Women's History Month 2021 - Combined Special Edition of Aerotech News and Review Nellis AFB Creech AFB Desert Lightning News

Women in the role of unsung heroes

Reader’s
by Bob Alvis
special to Aerotech News

It’s pretty easy today to get caught up in all the Services
headlines of how today’s women can do just about
anything they put their minds to. How to contact
Many times media coverage revolves around Aerotech News and Review
the accomplishments of younger women and over • E-Mail: editor@aerotechnews.com
the years, this same theme was shared many times • Phone: (661) 945-5634
to inspire young girls to look up to these trail- • Fax: (661) 723-7757
blazers, be it in the military, aviation or corporate • Website: www.aerotechnews.com
America.
As this year has played out I felt something Advertising
pulling at my heartstrings, as the headlines re- Corporate Headquarters:
minded us every day of the tragedies that were (877) 247-9288
playing out in nursing and retirement communi- Email: sbueltel@aerotechnews.com
ties across America. The elderly were being rav-
aged by this relentless virus and they so often just
became faceless statistics in an ongoing battle Subscriber Services
against an enemy that took away so many of our Subscriptions to Aerotech News
valued senior citizens — leaving those of us left and Review are $59 for six
behind asking why. months or $89 for one year. For
Reading an old Muroc newspaper, a headline Courtesy photograph more information, contact the
caught my eye and the words “Gray Ladies” had Gray Ladies of the Antelope Valley that served at Muroc, now Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. subscription department at:
me taking a second glance, conjuring a vision of (661) 945-5634
something to do with Navy ships. Upon further of a loved one far away. As we take the time this month to celebrate
reading, I realized that this was a story about These ladies could range in age from their late the accomplishments of so many great women, let
World War II-era women, not only in the Ante- eighties to a couple who were in their nineties and us always remember the unsung heroes that were Story ideas, letters, editorials
lope Valley but all across America. They were were just as productive as their younger counter- Please send all letters and editorials to
Stuart A. Ibberson, editor,
on the downhill side of 50, but still wanted a role parts. They performed tirelessly when it came to not on the cutting edge of technology or breaking at editor@aerotechnews.com.
to play in a world at war. The fact that they were their part in serving in the war effort, freeing up down barriers. Let’s honor the volunteers with
older women was not going to get in their way, critical personnel needed elsewhere. the heart and soul of a mother or grandmother,
as they wanted to make a difference. These women also did not just punch a clock who brought up the spirits of so many Americans
Organizing across America, the Gray Ladies after their work was done — you could see them in uniform in need of a reminder of home and a Web Site
were part of a Red Cross program that took the back in their hometowns, working fundraisers and comforting voice that would say, “I’m here to take Access the Aerotech News web
skills of older women and put them to good use, bond drives along with supplying donuts and cof- care of you, you’re going to be fine.” site at www.aerotechnews.com
taking care of the wants and needs of American fee to lonely GIs far from home. Each one of these I dedicate this column to all the women who
servicemen in hospitals across the country. The volunteers took pride in that Gray Lady uniform passed away in nursing homes this past year and Submissions for upcoming events, air
Gray Ladies performed tasks ranging from help- they put on each day. Looking in the mirror did salute all the women who didn’t let the advent of shows and museums
should be emailed to
ing the medical staff, to simply sitting with an in- not let the passing of time take away from their their “golden years” tell them that they were no editor@aerotechnews.com.
jured soldier and writing a letter to send to parents youthful spirit which was much needed at the longer useful. They gave America their very best
hospitals they worked at, as the patients and staff until they were called home to rest with those that, For questions concerning the web site,
contact the webmaster at
needed to be uplifted and inspired to press on in I’m sure, have the wings of angels. webmaster@aerotechnews.com.
the face of adversity. Peace my friends, Bob out …

Where you can get
Aerotech News and Review
For information on
Aerotech distribution, call
(661) 945-5634 or visit
www.aerotechnews.com/distribution.

Aerotech News and Review is published
every other Friday, serving the
aerospace and defense industry of
Southern California, Nevada and
Arizona. News and ad copy deadline
is noon on the Tuesday prior to
publication. The publisher assumes no
responsibility for error in ads other
than space used. Your comments are
welcomed and encouraged. Write to
the address below.

• Publisher ....................Paul Kinison
• Business Manager ....... Lisa Kinison
• Editor .................... Stuart Ibberson
• National Advertising
Manager .....................Paul Kinison

Aerotech News and Review
e-mail: editor@aerotechnews.com
Visit our web site at
Bob Alvis collection www.aerotechnews.com
From the Muroc Mirage newspaper dated June Dayle Debry, Antelope Valley Rural Museum
8, 1945. Gray Ladies working a Red Cross booth in the Antelope Valley.

Aerotech News and Review
2 www.aerotechnews.com ........ facebook.com/aerotechnewsandreview February 26, 2021