Fort Hood gives thanks to World War II veteran

Fort Hood gives thanks to World War II veteran

By Cpl. Kyra Pearl, III Armored Corps Public Affairs

November 24, 2022

FORT HOOD, Texas — Over the chorus of hushed conversations, one corner of the dining facility held a dozen Soldiers hanging on the edge of their seats, listening to the soft spoken words of one woman.

It has been over 76 years since Elizabeth L. Montgomery, a World War II veteran, has stepped foot on a military post, until today that is. Montgomery served with the first generation of female Army Soldiers from 1943 to 1946, in the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (later known as the Women’s Army Corps).

“I’ve lived a long time, but I’ve never been on such a place as this,” Montgomery said.

As warm aromas of fresh Thanksgiving staples wafted through the dining facility, Montgomery, her family and the Soldiers in attendance ate their holiday meal. During the meal, Montgomery shared stories from her first hand experiences over the last 101 years of history.

Reflecting on World War II, Montgomery explained how united the country was, coming together to fight this common enemy. Everyone was invested in contributing to the war efforts in whatever ways they could.

“The whole country gathered together to fight,” Montgomery said. “There were so many women involved in various opportunities: the industries making arms…the factories, the Army, (wherever) they could help.”

Prior to the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps’ founding in 1942, women had limited options in how they could support the country.

Montgomery ate her Thanksgiving meal side by side with service members, some of which being a variety of female leaders ranging from corporals to colonels. Seeing this, Montgomery reflected on the plethora of military opportunities available to women today.

“I suppose if I could have, if there had been a way,” Montgomery said, “I would have been more in the Army than I was.”

Following the end of the second world war, Montgomery had risen to the rank of a U.S. Army Captain and was discharged from the military after serving almost four years.

As the party finished indulging in their holiday meal, Fort Hood representatives presented Montgomery with tokens of their appreciation. Beginning with a letter of gratitude from Lt. General Sean Bernabe, III Armored Corps and Fort Hood Commanding General, followed by a bouquet of flowers, a certificate of appreciation for her years in service, and a gift.

After the Thanksgiving festivities, Fort Hood representatives gave Montgomery and her family a tour of Fort Hood featuring the 1st Cavalry Horse Detachment and the 4th Infantry Division museum.

Closing the long day off, Montgomery and her family shared their appreciation for the day’s events.

“Words cannot fully show how much we appreciate your service to veterans like my mom, who tend to be forgotten as the years go by.” remarked Carol Montgomery, daughter of Elizabeth Montgomery.