EASTHAMPTON — The secret to a long and well-spent life is having a goal and following it, according to Bernice Milburn Pesesky.
At 101 years young, the World War II veteran seems to have heeded her own advice having decided to join the service when she was a nursing major at St. Louis University.
Pesesky served as a first lieutenant in the Army Nurse Corps from 1943 to 1946 and was deployed to Oran, Algeria, as well as Naples and Pistoria, Italy.
“The university was sponsoring a hospital to go overseas and I thought I’d like to be a part of that group,” she said. “It was an adventure.”
Throughout her life, Pesesky’s goals have led her on a path toward recognition — most of which she hasn’t sought after. On Friday, she added another accolade to her list when she was named the Easthampton Veteran of the Year.
“I don’t feel like I did that much — I’m sure there’s someone here that’s much more worthy,” said Pesesky. “But I appreciate it.”
But American Legion Commander Thelma Issri begs to differ.
“I think she’s remarkable. The work that she’s done is honorable and commendable,” she said.
Pesesky, a native of Wyoming, was recognized for the honor by the Easthampton Veteran’s Council at a ceremony held at the American Legion Dalton Lavallee Post 224.
“Tears were flowing … We’re very proud of her,” said Jean Hobbie, Pesesky’s daughter.
Growing up, Hobbie and her four siblings were shown what the act of service to others was, she said. Her father, Joseph Pesesky, was also a World War II veteran, serving as a first lieutenant in the Army.
The couple met on a blind date, but then they were sent out of their respective deployments.
“I thought I’d never see him again,” said Pesesky.
If it weren’t for the memory of a mailman from her hometown in Wyoming, she might not have. Hobbie’s late father Joseph Pesesky remembered Bernice’s maiden name and that her family lived in Shoshoni, Wyoming, but had no additional information. Despite his lack of contact information, he penned a letter and wrote all the information for his blind date that he had, according to Hobbie.
“My mom was visiting a friend in Casper and the mailman happened to know she was there and dropped off the letter,” said Hobbie. “If he hadn’t, I wouldn’t be here today.”
After the service, Pesesky taught nursing students for 25 years in Elmira, New York, at St. Joseph’s Hospital School of Nursing.
She recommends new enlistees to think of all their patients as individuals who have families at home and who are in the service for the same reason she was: to serve her country.
“If asked, I’d do it all over again,” she said.
In addition to Pesesky, the council also recognized Easthampton Police Sgt. Chad Alexander and presented him with the Easthampton Americanism Award. The council presents the award to a member of the community who does work in the community to help veterans, according to Issri.
While visiting Cape Coral, Florida, Alexander stumbled upon a number of military tribute banners recognizing active duty and retired veterans. With both friends and family members serving in the military, Alexander said he wanted to take the idea back to Easthampton.
For the past five years, he’s elevated the names and faces of Easthampton veterans on banners throughout the city’s downtown from Memorial Day to just after Veterans Day.
In reflecting on the past few years of the banner program, he spoke of the gratitude he’s received. He recalled one particular Vietnam veteran, who hugged him after seeing his name and face elevated above the city streets for his service when he was once told to hide his uniform and booed upon his return to the U.S.
“The emotions that come out of some people, family and honorees, it’s pretty awesome,” said Alexander.
The sale of each banner funds organizations that help Easthampton veterans, including the American Legion and Easthampton Community Center, as well as directly to local veterans in need. He said that the program has raised up to $6,000 each year.
When Alexander’s name was called at Friday’s ceremony, he admitted that he was pretty shocked.
“When I was asked to come to the American Legion for the ceremony, they didn’t tell me it was because I was being honored — I was pretty speechless. I was trying not to cry,” he said.
“This is definitely not the reason I do this. It’s nice to be recognized, but it’s more important to recognize the reason we’re doing it.”
Emily Thurlow can be reached at ethurlow@gazettenet.com.