Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Navy World War II Veteran Helen Theresa Anderson Glass.

During World War II, Helen served with the women’s branch of the Naval Reserve, known as the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service, or WAVES.

After the attack on Pearl Harbor, Helen’s brother decided to join the Navy. Once Congress authorized the Navy to accept women in 1942, Helen too, enlisted on her 20th birthday. She trained at the Naval Air Technical Training Center in Oklahoma and was then assigned to the Naval Air Station in Opa Locka and Miami, where she worked in engine overhaul.

After leaving the Navy, Helen remained dedicated to community service and helping her fellow Veterans. She began volunteering at the Veterans Affairs Hospital in 1978 and is still active today in her volunteering efforts. She is also involved in many other Veterans organizations including Casas Adobes American Legion, where she has been a member for the past 74 years.

In addition, Helen has turned her talent and creativity in poetry writing to highlight women in service. She has recently published a book of military poems and has won many awards from the National Veterans Creative Arts Competitions.

Thank you for your service, Helen!


Nominate a Veteran for #VeteranOfTheDay

Do you want to light up the face of a special Veteran? Have you been wondering how to tell your Veteran they are special to you? You’re in luck! VA’s #VeteranOfTheDay social media feature is an opportunity to highlight your Veteran and his/her service.

It’s easy to nominate a Veteran. All it takes is an email to newmedia@va.gov with as much of the information as you can put together with some good photos. Visit our blog post about nominating for how to create the best submission.


Graphic By Kierra Willis: Kierra Willis is a Graphic Communication Major at the University of Maryland University College. She currently has an AAS in Graphic Design and Visual Communications.

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