#VeteranOfTheDay Air Force Veteran Linda M. Koon Woods

Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Air Force Veteran Linda M. Koon Woods. Linda served during the Vietnam War from 1962 through 1966.

Linda enlisted in the Air Force in September 1962 when she was 19 years old. She was inducted and finished basic training at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, before completing her service at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, as an airman second class. Linda was a switchboard operator with the 46th Communications Squadron.

As a Native American woman in the deep south, Linda faced discrimination and prejudice daily during her time in Louisiana. During her interview with Veteran’s History Project in 2004, Linda describes her friendships with other service members as her greatest blessings while in the service.

After completing four years of service, during which she got married, Linda and her husband moved to California where she received a master’s degree in social work in 1994 from San Jose University. Linda was a substance abuse counselor for more than 30 years before she retired in 2008. In addition to serving as a secretary for the American Legion, Linda has continuously given back to her community and has been a cultural consultant for the Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan for over 20 years.

Linda still lives in Michigan where she enjoys spending time with her family and four grandchildren.

Thank you for your service, Linda!

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 information as you can put together, along with some good photos. Visit our blog post about nominating to learn how to create the best submission.

Veterans History Project

This #VeteranOfTheDay profile was created with interviews submitted to the Veterans History Project. The project collects, preserves, and makes accessible the personal accounts of American war Veterans so that future generations may hear directly from Veterans and better understand the realities of war. Find out more at http://www.loc.gov/vets/.

Graphic By Damin Jung: Damin Jung is a student studying Web Design. She has a BS in International Relations and Politics.