Military Story: “Dead Air” by Shirley Sisko Harkins
Heart of a Military Woman, Stories| No Comments »
by Shirley Sisko Harkins
When I enlisted in 1976, the Women’s Army Corp (WAC) was in the process of being disestablished as a separate branch of the Army. I’m very proud to have been one of the last WAC’s, serving during this exciting era in military history. Women were being admitted to West Point. Maternity leaves replaced compulsory discharges, and the umbrella, a traditional military taboo was approved for issue in the name of promoting a positive feminine image. The powers that be even retained a designer to fashion a sporty new mint green, wash and wear uniform. The times they were a changin’.
There were those, of course, who weren’t enthusiastic about the trend. I encountered several male soldiers who appeared to be threatened by the growing presence of women in the motor pool, the mess hall, and even in co-ed barracks. Some men attempted to deflate our influence with casual flirtation. Others insisted we carry our weight—equal pay for equal work, by golly. None, however, stood out so predominantly in my memories as a certain surly NCO at Fort Gordon, Georgia.
Even though I’d have to change it here to protect the innocent, I wish I recalled his name. He was a gristly, Old Army type—a field instructor attached to the signal school where I was trained. I was offered only three occupational options; food service, clerkship, or communications. I’d opted be a radio teletype operator—a dinosaur Military Occupational Specialty (MOS), like the WACS that no longer exists. Quaint historical reference makes for great story telling. Ask any veteran, young or old. When two or more gather together, the war stories commence in earnest.
The Old Army NCO taught in the field, training the students to apply classroom academics to the actual equipment we’d use to perform our duties. We knew the basics of setting up and maintaining a radio network, but hadn’t learned a great deal about trouble-shooting. His job was to station himself with one network station each day and teach us how to deal with real life obstacles as they cropped up.
His approach was stoic—stand back and let us flounder, making one frantic mistake after another, until the entire network crashed. Afterwards, he’d explain what went wrong and help us to figure out how we could have responded more effectively. In theory, his methods seemed valid enough, but his criticism was often sarcastic and condescending. Locking us in a poker face look, he’d observe every move without offering the slightest hint as to whether we were right or wrong. We never knew what was coming; reward or reprimand. It was excruciating.
One morning, I was manning the network controlling station. By the time he stuck his head through the door of the rig where I was working, I’d already lost communication with one of my network stations. The others were apparently beginning to panic, thumbing through their ciphering and frequency manuals to determine if their settings were correct. Lack of confidence in their own training may have caused them to fiddle with the dials.
The gristly NCO watched while I performed a network check, hailing the other two stations and getting dead air in response. I feverishly typed in the abbreviated commands again and got nothing. Staring at the teletype for a few seconds, I prayed for inspiration. He was expecting me to do something, so I hopped out of the rig and headed toward a nearby jeep.
I slipped on the Morse code key leg strap and began tapping out the commands. The NCO followed. He rested an elbow on the crash pad, leaning in toward me. He didn’t say a word. When the keypad failed, I sat for awhile staring at the field phone, knowing that any transmission on it would be unsecured. I glanced at the NCO, but received no encouragement either way.
I decided to go for broke, snatching up the handset and cranking the generator. He was going to chew me up and spit me out no matter what I did, so I had nothing to lose. Via landline, I was able to contact each network station. Careful not to reveal any classified information over the airways, I instructed them to consult their manuals so we were all on the same page.
Afterwards, I jumped back in the rig and ran the network test again. Oh, to hear the glorious beeps, clicks, and whirs of life. We operated the rest of that day without incident. The NCO never uttered a word. Later that day, back in the barracks, I was summoned to the pay phone in the foyer. I greeted the caller, hearing tinny juke box music, tinkling glassware, and raucous voices in the background. Because he spoke so few times, I didn’t recognize the NCO’s gravelly voice until he introduced himself.
The hair rose on the back of my neck. I must have really messed up if he was calling from the NCO Club to tell me so. Judging by the way he slurred his words, the lecture probably wasn’t going to be polite.
When I didn’t respond, he continued. “I hate women,” he said. “I especially hate women in the Army, so it really hurts to have to tell you this.” He paused for what sounded like another slug from his cocktail.
“But you did one heck of a job out there this morning getting that network back up and running.” Of course, being Old School, he didn’t say “heck,” but I took the liberty to paraphrase.
When I caught my breath after the initial shock, I thanked him. He promised that if I ever told anyone about our conversation, one-sided as it was, that he would promptly deny it. With that, he hung up, and I was left listening to dead air again.
I would go on to receive promotions and other honors from the United States Army, but none gratified me as much as a phone call from a gristly Old School NCO with a chip on his shoulder for women.
~Shirley (Sisko) Harkins
www.dramadrash.org
©2009
"I am a believer of thirteen years and spent much of that time absorbed in scripture study and research. I also hold a Masters Degree in Biblical Study and Theology. My ministry extends to my homelife as a wife and mother. My children are grown and I’m very proud of the godly young adults they’ve become, despite being raised in the church only half of their lives. I am priviledged to serve the Father as Artistic Director of Drama Drash Ministries."
PHOTO: Shown here with husband Danny.
"Dead Air" is published in the Heart of a Military Woman book by Sheryl L. Roush and Eldonna Lewis Fernandez
Chapter: A Day in the Life
Book released Veterans Day 2009.
Posted here with permission from Authors.
Contact: Sheryl@HeartBookSeries.com for permission to reprint. It will be granted.
Shirley Harkins lost her battle with cancer on December 28, 2009. She did, however, get to see this story in print shortly prior to her passing. Upon receiving acknowledgement that Dead Air would be published, she write this note to the publisher:
Dear Ms. Roush,
I am so delighted to be included on this book. My time in the military was among my prouded.
Warm Regards,
Shirley Harkins
Beloved wife, mother and grandmother, she went to her well-deserved place in Heaven as a Daughter of Israel on Monday, December 28, 2009 after a long courageous battle with cancer. Burial with military honors on January 1, 2010 in the Fort Sill National Cemetery, Elgin.
Shirley was a shining star. Much beloved, greatly admired and well respected by all who knew her. She was a woman of constant positive outlook, great self-determination that enabled her to accomplish any goal she set for herself, great personal strength that she readily shared with all who needed her, and great kindness to all. Shirley loved the Lord with all she was and was a model of great fortitude. She never wavered in her faith and commitment to her path of truth and light.
Shirley Sisko Harkins graduated from Luther L. Wright High School in Michigan, spending her senior year as a foreign exchange student in Brasilia, Brazil, where she became fluent in Portuguese. She then attended Michigan State University in Lansing, Michigan. She was a veteran of the US Army, serving honorably as a member of the Women’s Army Corp (WAC) with the US Army Signal Corps in Bad Kreuznach, Germany from 1976 until 1978.
She married Daniel Harkins, earned her Master’s degree in Business at Cameron University in Lawton, then earned a Master’s degree in Divinity and became an ordained minister, as well as Director of the Drama Drash Ministries of Lawton, Oklahoma.
I discovered that peace doesn’t mean the end to conflict;
it simply demonstrates the love of God.
And we don’t have to wait for a major crisis in our lives;
we can allow the peace of Christ to rule our hearts each day.
Richard Parker, Upper Room Daily Devotional
VIEW OTHER BOOKS –AND MUSIC IN THIS SERIES:
Click on title to view each book.
Heart of a Woman (printed)
Heart of a Military Woman (printed) ….. and on Kindle
Heart of a Mother (printed)
Heart of a Mother (printed with Bonus Music CD)
Heart of a Mother … Music CD
Heart of the Holidays (printed) ….. and on Kindle
Heart of the Holidays … Music CD
Heart of a Woman in Business (printed)
Corazon de Mujer (printed) (Heart of a Woman in Spanish)
Co-Authors Interviewed Today on What’s Your Bottom Line?
Heart of a Military Woman, Interviews| No Comments »Co-Authors Interviewed
Today on
What’s Your Bottom Line?
Co-Authors to the Veterans Day release of the Heart of a Military Woman book, Eldonna Lewis Fernandez and Sheryl Roush, are being interviewed today, Tuesday, December 22, 2009, on What’s Your Bottom Line?™ Talk Radio Show by radio host Angie Strader.
Topic: Bottom-Line Success in Business
In this program, listeners will discover the PINK Principles to activate your choices, plus seven Sparkle-Tude!® Boosters to invigorate your attitude and daily life.
The focus today is about having consistent success in life… both personally and professionally… and for both men and for women. Our workplace has certainly changed, with high unemployment, people making dramatic shifts in their careers, some staying unemployed, while others are creating their own businesses. Both of our guests have experience in corporate careers, military life and entrepreneurial success.
Listeners can call in their questions during the live program:
(724) 444-7444, Call ID #62616
RADIO SHOW GUESTS:
Eldonna Lewis Fernandez is a retired Air Force Master Sergeant with 23 years of honorable military service. She deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Eldonna has 29 years of extensive leadership, management and supervisory experience. She is certified at Level III Contracts in the Acquisition Professional Development Program. She is also a certified coach, and consultant. Eldonna is affectionately known as the Pink Biker Chic™, a biker and empowerment coach for women she and her “military brat” kids were just featured last week on the premier of Lisa Nichols’ Breakthrough – Original Special on WE-TV.
www.PinkBikerChic.com
Sheryl Roush is the President/CEO of Sparkle Presentations, Inc., based in San Diego, California. An 8-time entrepreneur since the age of 16, her background is in marketing, graphics, publishing and communication. Sheryl is an internationally top-rated female speaker with 3,000 presentations under her designer belt, and was only the 3rd woman in the world to earn the elite Accredited Speaker designation from Toastmasters International out of 4 million members in 106 countries. She has spoken on programs alongside many highly-regarded celebrities including Suze Orman, Marcus Buckingham and Olivia Newton-John. Sheryl is a 13-time published author and was interviewed December 4th by Montel Williams on his Montel Across America radio show for the Heart of a Military Woman book, co-authored by Eldonna and Sheryl. She was twice crowned “Ms. Heart of San Diego” for her contributions to women and is the creator of the Heart Book Series.
www.SparklePresentations.com
www.HeartBookSeries.com
What’s Your Bottom Line?™ lives its mission of straightforward discussion about what it takes to be successful in your personal and professional life. Live talk radio show with Angie Strader in on Diva Toolbox Radio every Tuesday at 2:00-3:00pm CST. Tune in from your computer at http://bit.ly/3rSPwx.
December 20 BOOK SIGNING at Borders-Victoria Gardens
Book Signing Events, Heart of a Military Woman| No Comments »
December 20
BOOK SIGNING at
Borders-Victoria Gardens
Sheryl Roush, creator of the Heart Book Series, and contributors are autographing on Sunday, December 20, from 2 to 4 p.m. at BORDERS bookstore at 12370 S. Mainstreet, Victoria Gardens, Rancho Cucamonga, California.
Signing alongside Ms. Roush are contributors and fellow members of Toastmasters International: Kay Presto, Lee Barron, Cyndy Logan, Kay Starr and Marjorie Benesh residents of Inland Empire and Orange Counties. Kay Presto is also published in the Chicken Soup for the Soul books, including Chicken Soup for the NASCAAR Lover’s Soul.
The newest book just released in this six-book series, titled Heart of a Military Woman, is packed with heart-warming stories about all types of women involved in the military, from those who currently serve to those who are wives, mothers, and family and friends of those who serve. Some stories share experiences back to the days of the women who piloted airplanes for the military during World War II (WASPs). The book also includes a story about the first woman who lost a limb in our current war, and another about the local U.S.O. facility in Ontario, California.
Other books available at the signing will be:
Heart of the Holidays (Yuletide treasures and traditions)
Heart of a Mother
Heart of a Woman in Business
Heart of a Woman
and Corazon de Mujer (Heart of a Woman in Spanish).
For further information, call Borders Bookstore at 909-646-7322.
Author and professional speaker, Sheryl Roush gives presentations around the globe, at conferences and for corporations, helping to rekindle the spirit, raise the bar, and create excitement. Her gift for inspiring touches hearts and offers a positive outlook on daily life. A native San Diegan–and born in Chula Vista–she was crowned “Ms. Heart of San Diego” (twice) for contributions to our community.
Sheryl Roush may be contacted at: Sheryl@HeartBookSeries.com, or 858-569-6555.
Amazon Book Reviews for Heart of a Military Woman
Heart of a Military Woman| 2 Comments »Amazon Book Reviews for
Heart of a Military Woman
Co-Authors: Sheryl Roush and Eldonna Lewis Fernandez
5.0 out of 5 stars
Inspirational Stories from Real People, December 3, 2009
By Angela Y. Strader "Angie Strader"
I just received my copy of Heart of a Military Woman. As soon as I opened it, I couldn’t put it down! The stories within are touching, inspirational and you can tell they really do come from the heart. It’s important to remember that the contributors are real women and some men connected to the United States military either as an active duty member, reserve, dependent or family member and not professional writers. I enjoy reading work from people who write as they talk. I can feel the pride and sometimes the pain each contributor went through in their military experience. I also feel the passion within each of them as they shared their story.
To be fair, I should tell you that my own military story is included in Heart of a Military Woman (pg 27), so I may be a little biased, but in truth, I did get the book yesterday and read it until I fell asleep last night. I am proud to have my short story published within this book along side the other outstanding members of our military family.
This book will make a thoughtful gift for anyone who is connected to the military. It is a soft-cover keepsake book that will look beautiful on any coffee table.
Autographed copies available directly from author Sheryl Roush
VIEW OTHER BOOKS –AND MUSIC IN THIS SERIES:
Click on title to view each book.
Heart of a Woman (printed)
Heart of a Military Woman (printed) ….. and on Kindle
Heart of a Mother (printed)
Heart of a Mother (printed with Bonus Music CD)
Heart of a Mother … Music CD
Heart of the Holidays (printed) ….. and on Kindle
Heart of the Holidays … Music CD
Heart of a Woman in Business (printed)
Corazon de Mujer (printed) (Heart of a Woman in Spanish)
Heart of a Military Woman book contributors Autograph December 12, 2009 at Borders
Book Signings, Heart of a Military Woman| 1 Comment »Heart of a Military Woman book contributors autograph at Borders
UNIQUE BOOK SIGNING & READING EVENT!
Co-Authors Sheryl Roush, Eldonna Lewis Fernandez and eight contributors to the Veterans Day release of Heart of a Military Woman book will be autographing copies on Saturday, December 12, from 2:00-5:00pm at BORDERS bookstore in Eastlake of Chula Vista, San Diego, California.
Heart of a Military Woman book features 120 contributions of true short stories, poems and tributes to those who serve U.S. Armed Forces, representing all branches of the military.
Ms. Roush was interviewed on the Montel Across America radio show on Friday, December 4th, by Montel Williams who commented on air this will be a best-seller, sharing the voices of family, spouses and active service members, telling their stories, as only they can.
Creator of the Heart Book Series, former Navy wife, professional speaker, Sheryl Roush is a native San Diegan–and born in Chula Vista–she was crowned “Ms. Heart of San Diego” (twice) for contributions to our community. Eldonna Lewis Fernandez is a retired Air Force Master Sergeant with 23 years of honorable military service.
Both co-authors are members of the Military Writer’s Society of America, and were featured at the San Diego Chapter’s signing event December 2 at the San Diego Veterans Museum and Memorial Center.
More than a book signing, on December 12th, contributors will READ THEIR original STORY, TRIBUTE, or POEM to shoppers in English and in Spanish! Books showcased at this signing also include: Heart of a Woman, Heart of a Mother, Heart of the Holidays, Corazón de Mujer, and Heart of a Woman in Business.
Heart of a Military Woman contributors at December 12’s book reading and signing event include:
Loni Anderson
Sarah Arnold
Sandy Borum
Tina Erwin
Dharlene Fahl-Brittian
Eldonna Lewis Fernandez
Marissa Fernandez
Darcy Lovgren Pavich
Beverly Roush
Sheryl Roush
Michele Ruppert
Gina Simmons
COME MEET THESE AUTHORS and have your books personally autographed!
Perfect for holiday gifts people will keep, read and cherish!
BORDERS – SAN DIEGO
Eastlake Chula Vista
878 Eastlake Parkway
Chula Vista, CA 91914
Store Phone: 619.482.9883
“Mornings” Interviews Heart of a Military Woman Co-Authors
Heart of a Military Woman, Interviews| No Comments »Mornings Interviews Heart of a Military Woman Co-Authors
Mornings with Lorri and Larry was honored to be the first to interview Sheryl Roush, a former Navy wife, and Eldonna Lewis Fernandez, MSgt USAF Retired, about their new book, Heart of a Military Woman, on Tuesday, November 10, 2009.
The keepsake collection of 118 true short stories, touching tributes and emotive poems, celebrates our active and retired service members. Historic, nostalgic and some quite recent, these are written by military members, their families and loved ones, sharing sentiments and pride as only they can.
Heart of a Military Woman is available pre-order for $2.00 off before November 30 at the Sparkle Presentations bookstore.
Lorri Allen
FamilyNet TV & Radio
Mornings with Lorri & Larry
Podcasts and guest info are posted at www.FamilyNet.com/Mornings
Podcasts are available for only two weeks after the interview.
Mornings airs from 6-9 am Eastern on Sirius Satellite 161 and is SIMULCAST from 7-9 am Eastern on FamilyNet Television.
Sheryl Roush, creator of the Heart Book Series, is a female motivational and inspirational speaker, specializing in keynotes, conferences, and workplace motivation. For more information, go to Sparkle Presentations, Inc.