Navy wife eases military life

From left, Melissa Worthey, NWCA national president, Pamela and Karri Mealy and Nancy LM Johnson gather at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia to participate in a ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns. (courtesy photo)

DUNES CITY — Nancy LM Johnson of Dunes City returned last week from a whirlwind stay in and around Washington, D.C., after participating in a wreath-laying ceremony June 17 at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery. Hundreds of people attended the event.

Johnson was asked by the National President of the Navy Wives Clubs of America (NWCA) to participate as a representative of that organization.

“I really don’t know how or why I was chosen, but the fact that I was, was an honor,” she said.

As a member of the NWCA for 48 years and having served as its national president from 1975 to 1977, Johnson has earned the honor.

She flew to the nation’s capital June 15 accompanied by her daughter, Karri Mealy, who is NWCA national member-at-large coordinator, and her 16-year-old granddaughter, Pamela.

NWCA celebrates its anniversary every June, and the national president always places the ceremonial wreath. At the time Johnson served, the organization did not participate in the ceremony, so she suspects that was the reason the current president contacted her to give her the opportunity.

Johnson, 72, joined the organization in 1964, when her husband, Larry, was serving as a U.S. Navy air traffic controller. The two had been high school sweethearts in Reedsport. Larry enlisted after they were married only one year.

During his 22 years of service, the couple lived the typical military life in such spots as Naval Air Station Lemoore and San Diego, Calif., as well as the Philippines and Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands. The Johnsons have three grown children, Karri, Terri and Larry.

The NWCA (which over the years has opened its membership to husbands, too) has helped Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard spouses since it began in 1936. Through fundraising, the organization awards more than 40 scholarships a year to children of enlisted personnel.

“It is a support group. We help each other at times when our spouses are overseas or on the ship,” said Johnson, who added that far from family and friends, spouses can suffer from a feeling of isolation, something the clubs seek to dispel by offering help and friendship.



For the complete article see the 06-27-2012 issue.

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