Primarily documents the early life of Doris Messina Ehlenfeldt and her service in the United States Navy. Ehlenfeldt recounts growing up in West Haven, Connecticut with her parents and three brothers, her decision to leave home and join the U.S. Navy, and the difficulties of being away from home for the first time. She discusses her family's military service, her involvement with the American Legion and volunteer work, and how this background helped her meet the challenges of basic and hospital corps training. Ehlenfeldt describes the positions she held at her duty stations, the on-the-job training she received, and her passion for radiology. Personal topics include Ehlenfeldt's childhood experiences, her husband's military tours in Vietnam, and her distaste for the direction the military has taken in many areas. She discusses her opposition to the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don''t Tell" her personal religious beliefs, and her views on patriotism.