​Most people talk about their fathers, brothers, husbands, or uncles serving their country. I would like to pay honor a to woman veteran, my mother. A quiet, determined woman, who joined the army during WWII. She was from a small community in Maine and the third of eight children. Her life, up until the army, was living and working in a small town with little or no transportation

available to her. She walked miles to school, work, and to visit friends. She wasone to never sit still and who loved being outside.

 

Evelyn Gladys Parker enlisted in the US Army on January 21, 1944, shortly after three of her brothers joined the Navy. She completed her basic training at Ft. Oglethorpe, GA before being  sent to Chanute Air Force Base, Il. At first, mom was assigned a comfortable office job, but she didn’t like being cooped up inside and not moving. She put in for a position that would get her out from behind the desk. She enjoyed her new assignment finding missing equipment and taking inventory.

 

It was here at Chanute AF Base that she met a tall, lanky airman, Keith Jerald Clinton. The two fell in love, married, and settled near Ada , Michigan to raise their family.  Mom served not only her country during WWII, but quietly served her family, friends, and neighbors. She and my father were married 70 years and instilled in us a love for God, country, and others.

 

Mom never complained about growing up poor or having it rough. She taught each of us how to be respectful and accept others for who they are and where they come from. She put aside her personal ambitions of becoming a teacher to raise and be a support to her family. She was quiet, thoughtful, and found something to laugh about every day. Evelyn Clinton was part of the greatest generation.

 

She will always be a hero to me.