Homecomings can be a memorable event. Especially if they’re 60 years in the making.
Phyllis Bradford recently attended the biennial convention of the Women Marines Association Sept. 4-9 in San Diego, Calif. and was able to tour the base she was stationed at during World War II.
‘I had a really good time. I hadn’t been there in 60 years,? Bradford, a Davisburg resident, said.
Bradford served as a female Marine from 1943 to 1945 as a payroll clerk in San Diego during the height of the war. She has been a member of the organization for the past 30 years and has attended three conventions during that time.
During the recent convention, Bradford had the chance to tour the base she was formerly stationed at as well as meeting with other female Marines from across the country. Lectures and appearances from military officials were also part of the experience, although Bradford spent most of her time meeting others and sharing stories.
‘I was too excited to listen to anything,? Bradford said.
A thrill for Bradford on the trip came when she was allowed to observe current Marine recruits training on the bases. This wasn’t allowed when Bradford served.
‘It was kind of thrilling,? Bradford said.
While Bradford didn’t see any of the women she served with in her own unit, she did meet current soldiers whom she ‘adopted? and share experiences with.
‘I met some really precious active-duty Marines,? Bradford said.
Back at home, Bradford is an active member of the community. She can often be found at the Hart Community Center in Davisburg for a meeting of the ‘Young at Heart Seniors? group or practicing her bowling.
Bradford hopes to spread the word about the organization for women Marines, especially those that might have served during World War II, a generation that is decreasing in the population. There are two chapters of the group in Michigan.
‘I think they would join if they knew,? Bradford said. ‘It’s for all women Marines past and present.?
Bradford is already trading pictures with the people she met on the trip and looking forward to the next meeting.
‘It meant a lot to me to go back to where I was 60 years ago,? Bradford said. ‘I felt like I was at home and had never left. They say, ‘Once a Marine, always a Marine,? and that’s true.?