In Loving Memory of our beautiful sisters, you are forever in our hearts and will never be forgotten.

 

 

Betty Blake, who died April 9, 2015, at the age of 94, was believed to be the last surviving graduate of the first Women’s Airforce Service Pilot (WASP) training class during World War II.

The WASPs flew aircraft ferrying and delivery missions, towed aerial targets, and participated in flight testing and evaluation of advanced jet and rocket-powered aircraft. The women replaced male pilots so they could fill combat roles. (credit: Military Times by Airmen Magazine, April 10, 2018)

Bea Ferrante was a Navy Veteran and a beloved member of our unit. She had a great sense of humor and an eagerness to serve and be a part of all of our activities.

Vee was a member of the Cactus WAVES and a plank owner (founding member) of the Salt River WAVES of WAVES International serving as our President until we transitioned to Salt River Military Women, Unit #155, of MWAN in January of 2015. Her wisdom and guidance is still missed. She was truly a treasure.

Lynn Engles was a member of the Cactus WAVES and a plank owner (founding member) of the Salt River WAVES of WAVES International. She was member of the Salt River Military women since our transition in January of 2015. Lynn had a wonderful sense of humor and always kept us smiling. Her daughter Sandy is a National Honorary member of MWAN and continues to serve at every opportunity.

Barbara Klinedinst was a National Honorary member of MWAN who co-founded the Mom and Baby program at the Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center with her sister Kathy Laurier. She had the pure heart of a volunteer and served the veteran community for many years. She always had a smile, a contagious laugh, and a positive outlook.

Louise Helen Glende was a founding member of the WAVES Chapter of WAVES International in Tucson, Arizona. She was a Navy Veteran. She served during the Korean War as a Yeoman. Her story is listed in the Veteran’s History Project Collection (92.262).

Lori Elander was a member of the Cactus WAVES and a plank owner (founding member) of the Salt River WAVES of WAVES International. She was a member of SRMW since January of 2015. She served in the Navy Reserve. She was our “Lucky Charm” winning almost every time we had a raffle. She was also a member of the Sweet Adelines Choir and traveled extensively giving performances.

Lula served as a Navy Yeoman. She was a member of SRMW since 2018. She had a great sense of humor and wonderful stories to tell. She was always willing and ready to help another veteran. She was very active in her local post of the American Legion.

Beth Nehring was a Navy Veteran and a member of SRMW for a short time until her duties at the American Legion Post called her away. She spent countless hours at the American Legion volunteering, assuming leadership roles, and helping other veterans. She would greet everyone with a big smile and was always willing to help any veterans with any needs.

Helen Glass joined the U.S. Navy Waves in 1943 on her 20th birthday. Served as aircraft mechanic until discharge in 1945. Past President Navy Women Veterans-WAVES National. Chosen for “Who’s Who of American Women” in its fourth edition. Writer of patriotic, family and service poetry, won the “Editor’s Choice” Award at the International Poets Society Contest in Washington, D.C., for ”The Unknown Vietnam Soldier Speaks.”

Awarded Woman Veteran of the Year Award in 1998. Has accumulated over 5000 volunteer hours at Tucson VA Medical Center. Past member Tucson Veterans Affairs Committee for eight years. Life Member: Military Order of the Purple Heart Auxiliary, American Legion, and Veterans of Foreign Wars. American Legion Volunteer of the Year 1998; VFW Volunteer of the Year 1999; Legionnaire of the Year 2000. Awarded gold medal at National Veterans Creative Arts Festival for her poem “Peace” in 2002.