Primarily documents Phyllis Hinton Snyder's childhood in Ohio in the 1930s; her service with the Marine Corps Women's Reserve from 1943 to 1945; and her life after World War II. Snyder discusses growing up in Ohio. She details helping out on the farm; the Depression; her brother's death in a car accident; her enjoyment of school; and disliking her job at the Hoover Sweeper Company. " Topics related to World War II and the Women Marines include the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; a rough drill instructor; working with airplanes; working with male machinists; duties as a machinist; social life, including the service club and movies; meeting and dating Bill Snyder; military regulations concerning marriage; Bill Snyder's experiences overseas; and advantages of her military service, including broader experiences and greater confidence and independence. " Snyder also talks about traveling with her husband; getting over her shyness; her son-in-law who was killed on a peace envoy in Sarajevo, Bosnia; and her opinion of women in combat.