Re: Course for History teachers
Sally Mac Laren (sally@AMUG.ORG)
Thu, 11 Jun 1998 19:32:44 -0700
Dear Linda,
How neat. I have a daughter Linda. I am not exactly sure what you'd
like to hear, so will give you a brief history. Feel free then to ask
any specific questions you may have or anything you might be more
interested in hearing.
I was born in Ohio in 1919. There were five childfren, and I was the
2nd oldest.- three girls and two boys. I was raised in a wonderful
caring family.My parents died within 6 months of each other when they
were 86.Two brothers were both veterinarians and one sister was also a
nurse. The two youngest are dead now.Right after high school I entered
nursing school and graduted in 1937. Almost immediately I enlisted in
the Army Nurse Corps as a 2nd. Lt.I was stationed at an army hosptal
in Indiana for almost a year when I volunteered for overseas duty.I
was attached to an evacuation hospital. We were the first hospital in
Casablanca, North Africa.We landed there on Christmas Eve of
1942.Being an evacuation unit we moved fairly often and were
transportated by trucks to each destination. Mainly we livd and worked
in tents.We were in four different places in North Africa and from
there we went to Sicily and set up our hospital in a building in
Palermo.From there I went to England and our hospital was the first
one in after D-day at Normandy.
We worked many. many extra long shifts. However there was also a time
for R&R. While stationed in Mostagnem I met a handasome pilot, who at
that time was a courier for Gen. Eisenhower.He would take the orders
from him to the front lines.We were married while I was in Palermo,
Sicily. I was fortunate in becoming pregnant so from England I was
sent back to the good old USA. Our first daughter was almost a little
limey as she was born exactly a month after I was discharged from the
service.In September of his year we will celebrate our 55 years
together. A few weeks ago he had heart surgey but seems to be doing
well now. I am an active volunteer for hospice work in Arizona where
we have been living since we retired.I usually average abour 25 hours
a week with them. I find it extremely rewarding work. We have three
daughters ( two living not very far from us here in Arizona), nine
grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. We feel very fortunate.
Let me say that neither of us regret the time we were able to serve
our country.
I have no idea if any of this is what you wanted to hear so please let
me know. Feel free to ask me anything as well. Sally