HARRISBURG – A Women Veterans Day ceremony at the state Capitol this past week celebrated Pennsylvania women who proudly served the commonwealth and nation, including 21st Senatorial District resident Mary Kay Johnston.
Ms. Johnston enlisted in the Army to follow in the footsteps of her father, a World War II veteran. At the time when she enlisted, the Women’s Army Corps still existed. She attended Basic Combat Training at Ft. McClellan, AL, and Advanced Individual Training at Ft. Jackson, AL, as a clerk typist.
From there she was sent to Hanau, Germany. She was only the third female assigned to the 88th Maintenance Company, where she was assigned to work in the office. It was her job to process all paperwork on vehicles incoming for repair.
Her next duty station was the enlistment station in Portland, OR, where she helped process new service members.
In 1979, after four years of service, she used the GI Bill to obtain a licensed practical nurse degree. Years after her separation from the service, she is still active with the local honor guard and VFW Auxiliary Post 464.
Yesterday, June 12, was Women Veterans Day in Pennsylvania, with this being the second year the day has been observed in the commonwealth. Ms. Johnston’s biography is part of a special online exhibit created to showcase Pennsylvania women veterans, highlighting their military journeys and their lasting impact on their communities.
CONTACTS: Justin Leventry