Moorhead Veteran Honored at Military Women’s Memorial During Honor Flight in DC

WASHINGTON, DC (KVRR) — During the time that most of the veterans on the Honor Flight served, women were not as common in the military.

“When I joined, women were not all that common in the military. So it was a little difficult. The guys didn’t really care if we were there.” But many like Beth Olson from Moorhead still played important roles. She served with the Army Signal Corp during the 70’s. She was deployed near the DMZ in Korea. “We were 30 miles south from the DMZ in Korea. There were 13 of us that went, and we were the first females in that camp, so it was interesting,” says Olson.

Over the years though she lost touch with her service as she returned to civilian life.

She says, “In between those years there working with civilians, a lot of people didn’t know I was in the military, so there wasn’t a lot of recognition.”

She got involved with the American Legion Auxiliary through her friend, Auxiliary President Barb Chamberlain, and found pride in her service.

Olson says, “It wasn’t part of my life really, but now it definitely is a much bigger part. Being with the organization and the Honor Flight that recognizes everyone.”

Barb says that Beth brings an important contribution to the Legion, highlighting the role that women have played in the military.

Chamberlain says, “Women going in during the Vietnam War, I don’t think they were accepted that much. But now that she’s getting involved with our Auxiliary, with our legion, with our post, I think that really helps, and it helps all the women.” Through her stories of previous Honor Flights, Barb convinced Beth to come to DC

Olson says, “She works with the Honor Flight who has told me about many of these things. Otherwise, the Women’s Memorial I didn’t even know about, so I got registered.”

And during a visit to the Women’s Memorial, Beth’s service was honored in a surprise ceremony. “It was mind blowing.”

They both say it was a moment that they’ll never forget. Chamberlain says, “Beth and I have done a lot of fun things together, but I think this moment is one of the proudest for her, and for myself being her friend.”