CM Q3 FINAL DIGITAL - Flipbook - Page 21
I
n 1944, freshly
graduated Magna
Cum Laude from
Union College, Virginia
Walczak took the significant
step of enlisting in the
United States Marine
Corps. Her father’s legacy
as a marine and World
War I veteran was a
guiding beacon. Inspired
by his service, Walczak
felt a natural inclination
to continue the family’s
commitment to the military.
Though she began her
professional journey as a
mathematics teacher, the
Marine Corps had other
plans for Sargeant Walczak.
Instead of teaching math,
she was tasked with
teaching grammar via
correspondence courses to
FALL 2023
young men battling the
front lines during World
War II.
As she delved deeper
into her military
experience, she recalled
the uncertainty of
her service duration.
“At enlistment, I was
told I would serve as
long as the United
States was at war,” she
shared. Yet, despite the
potential risks, Walczak’s
commitment remained
unshaken. “I felt no
hesitation,” she remarked
when probed about her
feelings on enlisting
during a tumultuous
wartime.
A memory etched in
Walczak’s heart is that of
1945. While stationed in
the District of Columbia
(DC), she witnessed an
outpouring of joy and
relief. As news of World
War II’s end unfurled,
the streets of DC were
alive with ecstatic crowds,
dancing and rejoicing in
the hard-fought peace.
It was a moment of
collective celebration,
marking the culmination
of personal sacrifices
made by individuals like
Walczak.
Her story recently
caught the attention of
WTVR CBS6’s Greg
McQuade. An in-depth
interview, including
a television segment
detailing Virginia’s
experiences and insights
is available for viewing
here:
https://bit.ly/3Q1uFMB
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