BACK HOME IN IOWA --Three of the first group of WAVES reporting for duty at the U.S. Naval air station at Ottumwa are native-born Iowans. In the above picture, Jesse L. Hudson, chief yeoman with 20 years of service in the navy is shown with, "giving the word" to the Iowans upon their arrival. The WAVES are Leta Steffen of Laurens, Thelma A. Gilbertson, Decorah and Roberta L. Meyer, Dubuque.
Source: The Globe-Gazette, June 7, 1943 (photo accompanying this article not copied-too dark)
Four Iowa WAVES off Duty hiked to this church near the naval air station for a picnic. They are, back row, left to right, Leta Steffen of Laurens and Roberta Meyer of Dubuque; front row, left to right, Kay Barron of Lovilia and Lucille M. Norell of State Center. Other popular recreation for Ottumwa's WAVES includes their own softball games and movies at the air base.
Source: The Des Moines Register, August 15, 1943(photo included)
