Some of you know, some of you don’t—I’m working on another story. A story inspired from my book coach (Shari Stauch of Where Writers Win) as I plowed through my first novel, Ameera Unveiled. She suggested I consider writing a modern Little Women tale on growing up as baby boomer Navy dependent.
We discussed telling this story from the eyes of little girls on the brink of many technological disadvantages and advances. We’ve noticed that in my writing, whether it is a book idea or a drive-by blog, I love to unveil things. So now I’m trying to unveil being part of the Old Navy. I’m seeking to see this story from the eyes of the young boys and eventually their wives and children. It was a time that was complicated with a lack of consistent communication and political paranoia, inherited from the Great Wars and overshadowed by nuclear weapons.
For several years, I’ve been reading, writing, and discovering the voice of my step-father’s peers. I yearned to embody the brotherhood and voice of the men who shaped my preparation to enter the community as a well rounded adult. Well, in my perception, being well rounded from men that I looked up to; I had no idea the adult issues they had waded through socially, politically and economically. Let alone as husbands and wives.
While I researched the time my step-father spent as a young seaman during the Cold War in Subic Bay, I discovered an unusual fact. I was amazed but will leave this one on the editor’s floor since it doesn’t factor into my character’s story.
As I surfed YouTube for a clip for my next scene, I stumbled across an old black and white video of Filipina fiancés of Subic Bay American sailors. The Navy embraced and enrolled legitimate fiancés to move on the base to a dormitory, learn and write English, take home economics, and graduate with an understanding of how to handle the budget of a Navy man.
I’m sure it provided moral support to the young guys trying to focus on their military tasks. Hopefully, the fiancé was a good graduate.
As I have integrated into the Tin Can Sailor groups, I’ve met many couples that did marry Filipina women who have a genuine love for being American. They don’t segregate and are so friendly and hospitable. You can see the love between the couple as they exchange stories.
I found it refreshing the US Navy had the forethought to assist in the balance of educating one culture to assimilate into another…
Sounds like a great premise Kat! I wish you the very very best in this endeavor…unvieling being a part of the Old navy!
always unveiling in my own world…. sometimes it is the best place to be! Thanks my friend for the encouragement.
Can’t wait for the book. This book has brought some very interesting characters into our lives. I’m interested in seeing how it all plays out!
Have to say many years after the setting of your new book while I serve our country in Japan, I never heard tell of the “Bride school” process. Kudos to our mititary for thinking ahead at the time. Sounds like a High Reliability tactic to decrease distractions and improve engagement. Also an exercise in cultural sensitivity. Glad to now know that this was in practice.
I see the wisdom and investment as well…. not to say that the politically correct will find fault with it!!!