The year was 1947, when my sister moved to Oahu, Hawaii, to join her husband who was stationed at Schofield. I thought, what a great opportunity to visit my sister and also the islands.
At the time, I was an operating room nurse at Washoe Medical, renamed Renown. I submitted my resignation, packed my bags and set sail on the Matsonia. I had written to my sister that I would like to be met at the dock, along with them, by someone who was tall with dark hair.
As I sailed into port I spotted my sister, brother-in-law, and also a very tall, 6-foot 4-inch, dark-haired, good-looking first sergeant.
My greeting was storybook. Leis were piled to my ears, champagne reception at Chapman's Bar and dancing at 1st Three Gardens Club that evening.
Life settled down to a normal pace and I went to work at a local hospital. My first sergeant and I dated sporadically. It wasn't until another sergeant started dating me, that my man really got on the ball, and left no spare time for others to date me. Hawaii was a great place to play, have fun swimming, hiking, picnics and always something going on at the base.
A year after we met he was given orders to be transferred to Entewetak, an island in the Pacific. Just before his departure he surprised me with a ring.
Hawaii had lost its charm, so I came home to Carson City. We had a year separation before we were able to be married.
Our union produced two lovely daughters, four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. We were able to travel the world together. After 22 years, he retired from the Army and we returned to Carson City. We had a wonderful 45 years together before he was taken to green pastures.
Betty Branson
Carson City
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