After losing a friend at Pearl Harbor, Velma was compelled to serve and joined the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps. She later reported for active duty in the Women’s Army Corps and was stationed at Camp Upton in New York where she served as a Mess and Supply Sergeant. Her unit supported the military convalescent hospital for wounded coming back from Europe. In October 1945, Velma and 11 friends started the first all-women American Legion Post in the country. St. Louis Service Women’s Post 404 received its Charter in 1946. In 1948, the Post presented President Truman with the ceremonial shovel for the ground-breaking ceremony for the Gateway Arch National Park.
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