This Veterans Day, Laura N., a WesleyLife Meals on Wheels client, is filled with memories of her time in the Air Force. The one she most enjoys sharing is of the advice she received early in her military career.
"'If you're ever in trouble, wherever you are, look for our flag,'" Laura was advised by a commanding officer. "'If you see that flag, you will receive the help you need.'
"The flag was more than just a symbol. It meant everything to us in those days; we felt it made us braver and kept us safe. To this day, I love and respect our flag."
Laura, 91, of Ankeny, was 18 in 1952 when she enlisted in the Air Force. She grew up in Minnesota as part of a family with military ties, and although far more men than women enlisted at the time, she received her family's encouragement and support.
A quick study, Laura did well in basic training and aced her academic requirements; she was sent to Wyoming and then to a base in Sacramento, California, where she met her husband, Robert, a staff sergeant.
Robert and Laura were assigned to Kaiserslautern, Germany, and were stationed there when Laura made the decision not to re-enlist.
"I knew the plans the military had for me; I can't say, but it would not have worked out to do that and be a wife and a mother," she says. So she made a tough decision, but not before being awarded Airman of the Month, a designation of which she remains proud. ("I wish I had my medal, but we had to buy them in those days!" she recalls.)
Travel and twins — and a home in Iowa
Laura threw herself into her role as a military spouse, traveling with her husband wherever he was needed. The couple's twins, Dennis and Denise, were born in 1958 on the Wheelus Air Force base in Tripoli, Libya.
Robert left the Air Force in 1961, and his job brought the family to Iowa. After a short time in Carroll, they settled in Ankeny, where Laura quickly began to volunteer throughout the school district and for the local arts community.
An accomplished painter, she began winning awards in Polk County events and at the Iowa State Fair. She served as president and public-relations chair of Ankeny Area Artists and was instrumental in organizing a wildlife-and-landscape art show at the Saylorville Lake Visitor Center.
And her accomplishments don't stop there; she also has taught sewing classes, and she played electric guitar for years in a local country band, Sons of the South.
Enjoyable Meals on Wheels visits
Laura continues to live in the Ankeny home in which she raised her family, and a couple of years ago, her daughter organized daily WesleyLife Meals on Wheels delivery for her mom. Laura is committed to eating well and moving as much as possible to help ensure her longevity, and she says she always enjoys visits from her Meals on Wheels drivers (one of whom is Gary, pictured here with Laura).
"They're fun to talk to and we have good conversations! — and the food is very good also," Laura says. "I can't think of a favorite meal because I like them all. And I like the menus because it's nice to have choices."
This Veterans Day, as she enjoys her delivered meal, Laura will likely look at photos and enjoy fond memories of her time in the military.
"I had no issues and was always respected and treated well," she says. "I was very patriotic and remain that way to this day.
"I would have given my life for anyone I served with, and I can't imagine a bigger honor than to have represented my country."
