Second Page: Caroline Legion salutes women in the military

Photos and story by Helge Nome

The Caroline Legion Branch 177 honoured local women who have served in Canada's armed forces in years past at it's weekly pot-luck supper on May 11. Terry McGuire gave a history of women in the military and Darlene Houlton introduced the invited guests, some of whom have served in Canada's armed forces and others representing family members who served in the past. JoAnne Pope gave a snapshot of military life.

Darlene Houlton introduced the invited guests

Local ladies that have served in the military that were recognized at the celebration are as follows:

Eileen Wilson - Canadian Women's Army Corps during WWII, represented by her daughter, Karen Wilson. Pearl Howe - Royal Canadian Navy as W.R.E.N. during WWII, represented by her daughter Debbie Howe. Wanda McLean - Royal Canadian Air Force during WWII, represented by daughter-in-law Teresa McLean. Melba Davidson - Royal Canadian Air Force during WWII, represented by niece Debbie Nelson. Gertrude (Gertie) Rhodes - Canadian Military during WWII. Elizabeth (Elsie) Bowden - British Army during WWII, represented by grand daughter Val Brown. Pearl Nickelson - Canadian Women's Army Corps during WWII (anyone with knowledge of Pearl's background, please contact Darlene Houlton). Barb Hirtle - Royal Canadian Air Force as Teletype Operator, June 1952 - March 1954. Rita Stewart - Royal canadian Air Force as Radar Technician, 1954 - '57. Kirsten Collison - 746 Communications Squadron, Calgary, 1992 - '97. Marie Henry - Royal Canadian Air Force as FCO, 1960 - 61. Dolly Moore - Royal Canadian Air Force as FCO Data Processor, 1960 - '65. Audrey Joudrey - Royal Canadian Air Force as FCO Data Processor, 1957 - '63. Elise Labbe' - Canadian Armed Forces as Avionic Technician, 1982 - '88. Nadine Powell - Canadian Military as YTEP, 1986 - '97. JoAnne Pope - Canadian Armewd Forces as Radio Technician, 1981 - '90.

In his address, Terry McGuire noted: "Throughout their long service to this country these ladies have, at home and abroad, shrouded themselves in honour, loyalty, dedication and valour, and unfortunately sacrifice, as just recently we have lost the first woman in a combat role, to enemy action, Capt. Nicola Goddard, in Afghanistan.

This small community has been blessed by having a goodly number of these ladies among its citizenry, and we gather here tonight to honour and pay them a swell overdue homage."

Guests of Honour: Elise Labbe', Barb Hirtle, Teresa McLean, Rita Stewart, Debbie Howe, Nadine Powell, Val Brown, Debbie Nelson, JoAnne Pope, Karen Wilson.