Primarily details Laura Avis Gibson's service with the Coast Guard during World War II, in addition to her youth on a farm and her work at Burlington Industries. Gibson briefly recalls her childhood on a farm in Randolph County and then discusses her decision to join the Coast Guard with her sister, their reasons for enlisting, and the reaction of her family and friends. Many topics pertain to Gibson's basic training at Palm Beach, Florida, in January 1944, including: classes, drilling, singing, physical exercise, bunking with her sister, and Gibson's her first experience eating in a cafeteria. " Gibson also describes her time in Washington, D.C., in detail, including: her living arrangements; briefly meeting the man that she replaced; her work issuing checks for dependents in the Military Morale Division and the office arrangement; working with men and women at the Coast Guard Headquarters; her treatment at the Navy Headquarters; uniforms; and social life and entertainment, including fashions shows, being selected to be in a fashion show, and variety shows. She also recalls seeing Franklin Roosevelt's second inaugural parade; seeing Harry Truman on V-J Day at the White House; and carrying the flag during parades in Washington. " Post-war topics include Gibson's transition to civilian life; her career at Burlington Industries after the war; her sister's life after the Coast Guard; and talking with her sister about being in the Coast Guard.