avy veteran of another generation recalls being ‘ladies first, sailors second’

By Andrea Busche

Barb McDaniel of Hawthorne, Wisconsin, is a Navy veteran from the era of the Cold War and beginning of the Vietnam War. While she looks back at her military career with fondness, McDaniel’s experiences are vastly different from female service members of today.

For instance, women of McDaniel’s generation had to be at least 21 years old to serve overseas. McDaniel and many of her peers were discharged from the military upon having a child. Looking back, she summarized the prevailing attitude toward female military personnel of her day by saying, “We were ladies first, and sailors second.”

Country childhood

McDaniel was one of five children born to Robley and Edith Evans, a postmaster and a homemaker, respectively. The family lived off Highway B in Hawthorne on 10 acres of rural land. McDaniel enjoyed participating in the 4-H program as a youth, and graduated from Northwestern High School in Maple, Wisconsin.

Two of McDaniel’s brothers, Walt and Bob, had both enlisted with the Navy, and during high school McDaniel wrote a paper on careers for women in the armed forces. She decided to enlist. She wasn’t sure which branch would suit her best, however, so she left it up to fate.

“It was going to either be the Air Force or the Navy,” she said. “I flipped a coin, and the Navy won. I enlisted in 1959, at age 19.”

Her parents’ reactions were mixed.

“My dad was supportive, but my mom had some reservations,” she said. “It was not looked upon as a good career for women in those days. But it was all about what you made of it.”

Navy life

McDaniel traveled to the Naval Training Center in Bainbridge, Maryland, for boot camp. An early memory of her time in the Navy was participating in the marching drill team.

“I was part of the 1959 Super Bowl parade to welcome the Baltimore Colts to Baltimore,” she said. “Johnny Unitas was quarterback.”

McDaniel was sent to Pensacola, Florida, for photography training. In addition to being personally interested in photography, she also had some experience in the field; McDaniel had served three years in her high school’s photography club, and had also been a high school yearbook photographer.

Throughout her career in the Navy, she worked as a photographer, where she captured crime scenes and ship activity, and later took military portraits. Her next assignment was in London, England in 1962, working in the photo lab.

“We also went on weeklong assignments,” she said. “We went to Belfast, Ireland; Scotland; and I even saw the Berlin Wall.”

McDaniel also attended photojournalism school in Wiesbaden, Germany.

Family

It was in London that she met her future husband, Royce McDaniel, who was also serving in the Navy. The two were married in England. After the arrival of their first child — their son, Colin — McDaniel was discharged from the military, which was the norm at that time.

Throughout the next 15 years, the couple moved frequently due to Royce’s career. They also welcomed two more children, Tracey and Kevin. McDaniel utilized her GI Bill benefits during this time to earn an associate’s degree in accounting and a bachelor’s degree in general studies.

Reenlistment

In the ensuing years, policies changed and women with children were allowed to serve in the military. McDaniel reenlisted in 1979 and served through 1999, bringing her Navy career to just over 27 years. Upon her retirement, her rank was advanced chief petty officer.

McDaniel earned several special recognitions during her Navy career. Her unit in London received a unit commendation. She also received a good conduct medal, as well as a national defense medal — twice.

“I enjoyed my military years. Enlisting was one of the best choices I ever made,” she said. “It’s too bad I couldn’t have stayed in even longer.”

Ultimately, the McDaniels’ marriage ended, and Barb moved back to Wisconsin in 1999. She enjoys a quiet life in Hawthorne — near where she grew up — with her cat, Tanner. In addition to her three children, she has six grandchildren and one great-grandchild, whom she enjoys visiting when she can.

Volunteer work

McDaniel remains active with the American Legion in Gordon, Wisconsin (Post 499). She is currently the group’s historian and also handles public relations. In the past, she has served as district president – twice. She also volunteers in the Honor Guard for Post 499, where she helps handle funerals and parades.

Another way McDaniel gives back is through making Quilts of Valor, which she calls a “patriotic thank you for veterans.” She makes between five and seven quilts per year.

Hobbies and interests

McDaniel remains incredibly busy in her senior years. Not only does she continue to volunteer her time, but she also has a job, working third shift at a Kwik Trip in Superior.

In her spare time, she enjoys traveling and taking photos. She is a woodcarver and belongs to two local carving groups. She has also taught quilting classes at Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College.

“I like to stay busy and meet people,” she said.

Choosing military service

While military life was vastly different for McDaniel and other women of her generation, she still strongly encourages military service to anyone who is considering it.

“Start by doing your research through the recruiters,” she said. “And if you do join, make the best of it. Women have so many more opportunities now. Make the best of your life and enjoy it.” D