Primarily documents Shirley Dowd Brantley's service in the U.S. Air Force from 1952 to 1954. Brantley recalls childhood memories of World War II, including blackouts and air raids in her hometown of Pittsburgh, victory gardens, rationing, the death of President Roosevelt, and V-E Day celebrations. She discusses enlisting in the air force shortly after her high school graduation, hoping for travel and higher education opportunities. " Topics from Brantley's air force service include: the train ride to Lackland Air Force Base; the barracks and physical training at basic training; her dental technician training at Naval Station Great Lakes in Illinois, including co-ed classes, a polio scare at Lake Michigan, training with the Marines and U.S. Navy, and barracks life; her return to Lackland; and meeting her future husband. " Post-service topics include keeping in touch with service friends; moving for her husband's career; and raising her children.