We are honored to have two artists in our co-op gallery who are also veterans — Joan Dominus and Kim Martinez. In recognition of Veterans Day, we asked each of them to share a bit about their service to our country. Their dedication, both in uniform and through their creative work, continues to inspire us. We are deeply grateful for their contributions and for all who have served.
Joan Dominus
In 1967, I joined the Army Nurse Corps. I had finished nursing school in New York City and soon headed to Fort Sam Houston in Texas for basic training with 300 other nurses. From there, I was stationed in San Francisco at Letterman General Hospital on the Presidio.
After six months, I received orders to go to the 106th General Hospital in Yokohama, Japan. The hospital was built within what had been Japanese barracks during World War II. It became a 1,000-bed hospital and a major center for the care of our soldiers coming out of Vietnam, as well as others stationed in the Pacific. I arrived in time for the tail end of the Tet Offensive. We were a very busy team of medical professionals.
After serving in Japan, I was stationed at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. Once I left the service, I worked in civil service at Walter Reed and later retired from civil service at West Point, New York. I am proud to have been able to take care of soldiers and to have served.
Kim Martinez
Kim served her years in the Navy in a jet training air squadron in Beeville, TX. Although the title “Plane Captain” would lead one to believe she was a pilot-but in actuality, a Plane Captain is responsible for working on the flight line to help inspect, fuel, launch and recover aircraft…on land and carriers (Think of the signal men you see on the flight lines, directing the planes from their parking spots.)
The job is a hot and dirty one, but a necessary support system to the pilots. Kim also had the privilege of working as a lifeguard for two summers at the base pool. This of course, was a pleasant change from the hot Texas summers on the flight line. She is proud to have served her country, and has upmost respect for those that fight in battles to preserve our freedoms. God bless the USA!
