When our great nation was in need, blacks and browns in the Women's Army Corps during World War II answered the call. Some 6,500 women volunteered to serve in the segregated U.S. military during this time. I had the opportunity to interview one such amazing woman warrior; her name was Azalia Oliver. As she told me about the women who were assigned to duty stations at training centers, in recruiting districts, on army posts, and air force bases, at embarkation and relocation centers, at the station, regional, and general hospitals in the North and South, and overseas as a central postal battalion, I came to realize how important these young women, ( who were mostly in their twenties), really were. How were they treated? What were their expectations?  And how dedicated were they with their eagerness to serve? It was an honor and privilege for me to have the opportunity to hear stories first-hand that answered these questions. As I listened with complete anticipation, I discovered an often overlooked journey of a particular group of women who responded to what was in their hearts. I know that data exist to tell these women's stories in archival records, manuscripts, and fact sheets belonging to the Center of Military History, but to hear a more detailed narrative from someone who experienced it is entirely different. " I don't know what I expected when I joined the Army, but I can honestly say it was one of the best experiences of my life." Said Azalia.   

Little did she and her comrades know, they were beginning a journey of servitude and great expectations.