Primarily documents the life of Ruth Heavner Shepherd and her service with the United States WAVES. Shepherd recalls growing up during the Great Depression, the sacrifices she and her family were forced to make, and the food relief that growing up on a farm brought during this difficult time. She describes feeling as if she needed to do her part for the war effort, and knowing there was more meaningful work to which she could contribute. Shepherd also describes the respect that men used to have for women in military service, her belief that women with children should not be in the military, and the idea that military service would be beneficial to young people today because it would make them more disciplined.