Primarily discusses Sylvia Kenny Swink's service in the U.S. Navy WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service) as well as her pre- and post-war personal life. Swink discusses growing up during the Depression in Minnesota, and her father and brothers working for the WPA (Works Progress Administration) and CCC {Civilian Conservation Corps). She shares her memories of the attack on Pearl Harbor; her brothers' military service; and her desire to join the WAVES. " Of her service, Swink discusses her enlistment in the WAVES and her parents' reactions. She recalls the navy's background checks and her feelings about freeing a man to fight. She details the ride on the troop train to Hunter College, including a stop in New York City. Topics of discussion from her time at Hunter College include: living in a dorm; poorly fitted uniforms; and daily activities. Topics from her time in Washington, D.C. include: details of her clerical office; social activities; the death of President Roosevelt; and her supervisors. She also briefly mentions V-E Day and V-J Day celebrations and a frightening moment in D.C. " Post-war discussion includes her courtship with and marriage to Colon Swink; their moves to Texas, California, Minnesota, and North Carolina; her career with Guilford County; her family's military service, and her participation in veterans activities and organizations.