Anna Jean Coomes Woods Collection
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Oral history interview with Anna Jean Coomes Woods
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Primarily documents Anna Jean Coomes Woods' experiences in the U.S. Navy WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service) from 1943 to 1946, including basic training in New York and her duty stations in Washington, D.C., and Maryland. Also briefly describes her childhood in the mountains, pre-war experiences, and civilian life following discharge." Woods details her reasons for joining the WAVES; convincing her parents to let her join; trying to gain weight to pass her navy physical; taking her first train ride; basic training, including her injuries and illnesses; a free weekend in New York City; special treatment given to WAVES by civilians; social life in the WAVES, including dances, music, and sightseeing; her patriotism and pride in the military; taking buses to dances at Fort Meade, Maryland; camaraderie between men and women in the military; celebrations at the end of World War II; testing to become a third class petty officer; and her sadness at leaving the navy. " Other topics include Woods's long-time friends from the navy; her twenty-first birthday; her opinion of the Roosevelts; her fascination with airplanes; discrimination against women in civilian life; experiences as a teacher; her world travels; her opinion of women in combat positions; and volunteering with her local WAVES National unit and the Women in Military Service to America Memorial (WIMSA).
