101-year-old WWII veteran shares her story

Yahoo

19-03-2025

(COLORADO SPRINGS) — For some, WWII might seem like a long time ago in history, but for others, it feels like it happened just yesterday.
March is Women's History Month, a time to celebrate women and express gratitude for their accomplishments. Today FOX21 News spoke with Helen Rydell, a veteran who experienced WWII firsthand.
She was born in Chicago in 1923, making her 101 years young. At the age of eight years old, she first saw the harsh realities of the world, when she lost her mother. Her father served in the Romanian War forcing them to move around a lot during her childhood. She said that he attended three different high schools.
'I felt that a lot, I missed her, and I went to live with cousins when I was 11 since I had no mother; I lived with them for three years and moved around a lot,' said Rydell.
When Rydell turned 20, she wanted to enlist in the military, but her father was worried it would be too dangerous, but that did not stop her determination to serve her country.
'Eventually I asked an army recruiter to come out and talk to him and explain the circumstances, and finally he said, 'Well, okay,'' she recalled.
After she got her father's approval, she enlisted in the Women's Army Corp in December of 1944.
'I was sent to the Chicago Signal Center in July of '45 and worked there until early '46 when I got orders to be transferred to Germany to the Signal Corps in Frankfurt,' said Rydell.
During her time in Germany she worked as a secretary for a commander for two years, at that point she said the war was considered over, presenting her with a big decision. She had the option to continue serving or get discharged.
'At that point, I had not seen my father for two years or my brother, and so I thought it was time I went home, so I decided to be discharged,' she said.
However, during her time in Germany, she met the love of her life, who was also serving in the war.
The two began their lives together and had four beautiful children together. In 1986 Rydell decided to join the Women's Army Corps Veterans Association, and to this day she is still a member.
'It was something deep in my memory, how much I loved being in the Women's Army Corps and I was so glad that I could be with other women of the same background, you know, to share experiences and life stories,' she said.
Men and women in the military are not always viewed through the same lens, but Rydell said it's important for women to be recognized.
'Well, because women can do anything, and they can serve. They do their share of helping the country,' she said.
Now she spends her days enjoying time with her daughter, cooking, solving crossword puzzels, and reading. She said her secret to staying sharp, is by staying active.
'I've enjoyed most of my life, I can't complain,' said Rydell.
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