Oral History Interview with Laura J. Felten

[Interview Begins]

HALASKA: Today is November 18, 2019. This is an interview with Laura J. Felten, who served with the United States Navy with the VAQ [Electronic Attack]-139 Squadron from January 1999 to October 2000. This interview is being conducted at the Oshkosh Public Library. The interviewer is Rachelle Halaska. And this interview is being conducted for the Wisconsin Veteran Museum Oral History Program, and no one else is present for this interview. All right, so we're just gonna start. Um, where and when were you born?

FELTEN: I was born in Gadsden, Alabama.

HALASKA: Uh-huh.

FELTEN: It's a m-- um, a metropolitan area in Alabama.

HALASKA: Okay.

FELTEN: Not a whole lot, but that one was one of them. [laughter]

HALASKA: Um, what year was that?

FELTEN: Nineteen eighty-one.

HALASKA: And what was growing up there like?

FELTEN: Well, I grew up in the projects so it was very different. Um, it--we--we 00:01:00didn't go very many places, uh, and stayed at home, played outside a lot. Um, I remember making a lot of mud pies. Um, and I mean it was--it was just life as what I knew it.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: Um, I didn't have any qualms about it--

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: --'cause I got to play outside. [laughs]

HALASKA: Yeah, um, any brothers and sisters?

FELTEN: I have one younger brother and one younger sister.

HALASKA: And what did your parents do?

FELTEN: Um, my mom was a stay-at-home, uh, mother--

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: --which was, uh--very acceptable, um, in Alabama at that time. And then my father, um, he did security at various places. Um, the last one I remember him doing security at was at Sears.

HALASKA: Okay. Um, where--uh, tell me about going to school and kinda growing up 00:02:00in that--that area.

FELTEN: My, uh, parents divorced when I was twelve, so, um, we had different schools at that time. Otherwise, we were still in the same schools, um, through fifth grade. So then, um, started going to different schools, um, not having a whole lot of people that I knew of at those schools and very hard to fit in for some really shy person like myself. So, um, it was kinda difficult at times because very hard to make friends. But, um, I did have a few friends here and there, um, just very, very shy when I was young. Um, and then my mom mar-- remarried and she moved to Iowa. And--

HALASKA: Okay.

FELTEN:--uh, we were kinda scared 'cause all it--all we knew was Alabama and you don't ever wanna go north and be a Yankee. [laughter] I'm sorry for everyone who 00:03:00is north but, um --

HALASKA: It's fine.

FELTEN: --that was kind of what everyone said. So, um, it was kinda scary going to Iowa for the first time and then, um, just experiencing the north. Even though it really didn't feel any different, it just was the mentality of something different I think.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm. Um, what was your first impression of Iowa, I guess?

FELTEN: It was cold. [laughter]

HALASKA: Yeah.

FELTEN: Yeah, I was used to warmer weather and, uh, getting there I--I knew it was gonna be colder--

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: --but I didn't know that it was gonna be really cold because of the flat plains. Um, that makes a difference when you've got mountains in Alabama and then not so much in Iowa.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm. Okay. Um, did you have any family members who were in the military?

FELTEN: Um, I had several family members. On my mom's side, my grandpa, um, my--several uncles were--my grandpa was in the Navy.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: I had three uncles in the Army. Um, I had one uncle in the Air Force. I had a cousin in the Army.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: Um, so lots of military on that side. And then on my father's [door closing] side, um, my uncle had been in the Army and my father was in the Navy. And that's it.

HALASKA: Okay. Did they talk to you about it when you were growing up or just kind of about it in general that you remember?

FELTEN: It was not a whole lot of conversations.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: Like, on my mom's side, I think there was trauma there 'cause they were in the Vietnam War. And, um, when they came back it just wasn't--they were different people.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: And so, um, there wasn't a whole lot of talk then 'cause people didn't 00:05:00wanna, like, hurt somebody's feelings by talking about something they didn't wanna talk about. So, um, there wasn't a whole lot of talk there. But then [clears throat] when the, uh, first Iraq War, the--the Persian Gulf War happened in '91, there was talk about that because you see it on the news all the time. So that's where I got a lot of my conversations about the military, um, at that time.

HALASKA: Okay. Okay, so going--where did you live in Iowa?

FELTEN: The Quad Cities that includes Bet-- um, Bettendorf, uh, Davenport, and Rock Island. So, Rock Island Arsenal over there.

HALASKA: Um, and you went there for high school?

FELTEN: Um, I didn't actually.

HALASKA: Okay.

FELTEN: In Alabama, uh, I went to my last school there because I was ninth grade and I just was not doing very well in classes because I had moved. And high 00:06:00school's very hard to make friends with anyway if you've moved. So, um, I didn't have a whole lot of friends in high school. And though I didn't get picked on in high school, it just was very difficult to just, you know--you don't ever wanna go in the--the high school lunchroom without any friends. [laughs] And so, um, I ended up dropping out on my sixteenth birthday, out of school. And, um, I thought I knew everything because I was sixteen and, um, every sixteen-year-old thinks that. So, um, I knew what was best for myself. And then I kinda figured out that I was not--I did not know everything about a year later when, you know, just thinking about how I could've taken advantage of more but I didn't. And maybe I could've, um, put myself forward a little more. And this was me, like my inner talk a-- about being a shy person because I didn't like being a shy person 'cause it's, like, I was shy on the outside but I was really wanting to break 00:07:00out on the inside. So, I don't know how else to explain that but that's how I felt where, you know, I wanted to say things but didn't feel like I could say things. Um, and I blame that on shyness.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: So, um, the--about a year later, I decided, you know, I made probably one of the worst mistakes of my life. So, I wanted to go and get my GED [General Education Development] and I had talked to my mom about that. And, um, she--it was Scott Community College in Iowa, in Davenport, Iowa, where I got my GED. I went for GED classes and I also, um, at that time--because I had already talked to a recruiter a little after I started those classes.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: And, um, the Navy wouldn't accept someone with a GED, so I started figuring out how--if I wanted to go into the military, how to do that with what 00:08:00my situation currently was. So with that, um, we did some research and as long as I took some homeschooling courses too that was considered--so I got both.

HALASKA: Okay, so you got your GED and you did homeschooling.

FELTEN: Mm-hmm.

HALASKA: Okay.

FELTEN: Yeah.

HALASKA: And then when--when did you sign up for the Navy?

FELTEN: I signed up for the Navy, um--initially, it wasn't just going in and signing up. I thought that's how it was 'cause, you know, a little naïve girl, you know, watching TV, and--and I think they had commercials all the time back then for the Navy. And it was the nice blue ocean waters with an aircraft carrier on it and the message was let the journey begin. So, that was kinda enticing to me. Their, um, marketing material really worked on me [Halaska laughs] let's just say. And so the--I went to the recruiter. Um, we drove by--so, I believe the recruiter was in Bettendorf. And, um, we drove by the 00:09:00recruiting station and it had all the different--all the different branches there. And I told my mom I said, "Can we just pull over? I just wanna run in and see what--what kinda information they have." So, I went in and there was a petty officer, I believe he was a first-class petty officer, who, um, was very friendly and talkin' it up and yes let the journey begin. And I'm just like, okay, sign me up. How do I get in? And it wasn't, like, an overnight thing like I thought it was gonna be. So instead, it took--I wanna say this process started in September of '98 and I didn't even make it to MEPS [Military Entrance Processing Station until, like, December I feel like. [laughs] It was a long time after that it felt like. It felt like way too long. And so, um, uh, I had 00:10:00several meetings with a recruiter and with the--his chief 'cause there was a chief there. And they were all nice and I thought this is definitely what I wanna do 'cause, you know, I'm--I was seventeen at the time. So, I thought okay, I'm getting to be this grown woman. I need to be able to make choices for myself. And so my mom was willing to sign the paperwork for me to go in at seventeen because that's what's required if you're seventeen. And so I remember us sitting down with a recruiter and her signing the paperwork saying that, yes, she was okay with it. And then we started the process of, like, obtaining paperwork that was needed, medical records, those types of things. And then I remember we were gonna go to MEPS. Um, I wanna say that was in December of '98. And the week--I think it was, like, a Monday or a Tuesday. And that weekend was 00:11:00watching the news and it was supposed to be this big, huge snowstorm. So, I was not very happy because I wanted to go. And I'm just like, you know, I've waited since September. That's, like, forever, you know. And so, um, this snowstorm did happen. And the recruiter says, "I don't know if I can make it there. And if I make it there can you get out?" And I--I said, "You know what? You make it here and I will make sure the gir-- the driveway is clear." And so here I am out there shoveling with a shovel that is not a snow shovel. But because I'm from Alabama, I don't know what a snow shovel is at that time. And so, um, working very hard, and let's just say that my mom and my step-dad got a very big laugh out of it and they took a lot of pictures because I'm out there shoveling away with this very tiny shovel that, you know, like, somebody would, you know, use 00:12:00to even dig a little, small hole. [laughter] So, I--I finally got it completed. I think it was, like, three, four hours later. And I started really early 'cause I'm like, I'm not gonna miss my MEPS, leaving for MEPS.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: And, um, after I got it done, came in. And the recruiter had called, so I called back and, "Oh, we need to delay it a day." [laughs] So, all that shoveling for nothing. I guess it was just [Halaska laughs] pre-exercise, right, working up for boot camp.

HALASKA: There ya go.

FELTEN: And so, um, we did leave for MEPS. Um, I went with the chief. And I remember being in a little government vehicle, like, one of the recruiter vehicles and driving from Davenport to Des Moines, Iowa. And it seemed to be a long drive. I'd never been to Des Moines before. And I was sitting in the backseat and he's like, "You're very quiet." And I said, "Yeah, I know I'm quiet. I--I don't have a whole lot to say." [laughs] And he's like, "Well, what 00:13:00kind of music do you like?" And I said, "Well, I--I get along with any kind of music." So he says, "Well, I got some music that you're gonna probably be surprised to hear but this is really, really good music." So he puts on Sam Cooke. And being from Alabama, you know, I--that's, like, one of my--I like soul music. So, um, I started singin' along to it and he stopped the--it was a cassette tape. [laughs] He stopped it and he says, "Um, I thought you didn't have a lot to say." I said, "Well, you put in some Sam Cooke I got something to say." [laughter] So, we ended up in, um, Des Moines, and I--again, I thought we were going straight to MEPS, but nope. You do that early in the morning time. So, you gotta layover in a hotel. So, um, went to the hotel, kinda scared because I--first time--I'm pretty sure that was the first time I ever spent in a hotel by myself. [laughs]

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: So, um, the next morning--and he had said, "We need to be up by 6 a.m." 00:14:00I was not a morning person at that time, so it was kinda, like, scary 'cause I'm like, should I stay up all night 'cause I may not wake up. [laughter] And what happens if I don't wake up? So, I ended up, um, setting my alarm, calling down to the, um, desk and asking them to call me and asking my mom to call me. So, like, I got all these different phone calls.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: I woke up. And then the, uh, um--the chief says, "Do you--you need to get some breakfast 'cause we're gonna be there for a while." And I was like, "I don't eat breakfast. It makes me sick." So he says, "Okay, suit yourself." So, then we went over to MEPS. And when we got there, I guess I really didn't understand the whole process. Um, I thought it was like, okay, you go to your doctor for your annual physical. But it was quite more intense than that. And, 00:15:00um, we ended up being there for probably six, seven hours. It was a long time.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: And there were not a whole lot of other people there, so it was a long time. Um, but I managed to make friends with some of the other people who were there, um, and kinda inquired about their service. And it seemed like there was a representative from every branch besides Coast Guard. So, um, it--you know, you go through the physical. It's intimidating, and you're just hoping--well, as a seventeen-year-old, you're not knowing what they're looking for. And you're hoping that what they are looking for, you have everything that they're looking for [laughs] 'cause you don't want it to be delayed any further. Um, so, that's what ended up. Um, they said that I was okay.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: Um, I remember them taking me back and there was this guy in front of this computer and a really old computer program telling me what kind of job they 00:16:00had available for me because I'd already taken the ASVAB [Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery]. And I believe the job that they said that I cou-- well, they didn't start it like that. What they started it as is they said, "Well, you know, we've--we've developed these new programs. The--we send people in as undesignated. And undesignated means that you can be anything you want. And the--in any of the, um, fleet that we have." And it sounded good. He really sold it. He really talked it up and said, "You could do--you know, you could be a crewman. You could be --" um, you know, just telling me everything that somebody would want to hear. And I said, "Well, what did I qualify for? Like, what did--what did I, um, test for?" 'cause I was thinking maybe I'd be a nurse. Not--that's not what the ASVAB is for apparently. But, um, he did say that [laughs]--and this was after he told me about the undesignated piece. He says, 00:17:00"Oh, yeah. You know, you tested for an air traffic controller. You would never wanna do that job. That job is really crappy. You need to go undesignated." And so here I am, like, he's talking me out of it. And I'm like, "Okay. That--you know, that sounds better," [Halaska laughs] 'cause what if I really don't like air traffic controller. I mean, I actually get to sample everything, right. Yeah. So, I signed the dotted line. And then I went in and they swore me in.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: And I felt very proud and honorable because I felt like I was doing something and that I was part of a select few. And so then I felt like, okay, I'm becoming an adult now. [laughs] And even though you kinda feel it anyway, it's like you feel a little bit of change 'cause then you have a little bit of pride in yourself. And at least that's how I felt. So, um, after that, I went home, told my mom and everyone was all happy 'cause nobody knows what 00:18:00undesignated means. But [Halaska laughs] that's another story. [laughter]

HALASKA: Okay. So, and you went to MEPS you said in December. Um, and then--let me see. Then you went to basic in January?

FELTEN: Yes.

HALASKA: Okay.

FELTEN: January twelfth.

HALASKA: Okay.

FELTEN: So, what I had to do is, um, I had to fly there even though I lived in Davenport.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: Um, basic training in, uh, the Navy is in, uh, Great Lakes in the North Chicago. So, um, if you think about it in drive time, it's not that far from Davenport, Iowa. But the policy is that you have to fly out 'cause you have to go with the orders. So, I got orders, um, for basic training. And, um, went to Daven-- or Des Moines, Iowa to fly out of the airport to go to Chicago airport. 00:19:00And I was flying with two other people who were going to boot camp too.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: And I did not know them, but we talked because we were there for a little while waitin' on the tr-- on the plane. And the two--two guys that were there, um, were very talkative and, um, they pried a lot. They wanted to know everything. But then they told me--'cause I had never flown before. Um, they told me that, uh--and we had talked about that 'cause both of them had flown I guess.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: And they told me that basically if you get in there and [background coughing] one of the ladies stands up front and starts, like, putting an airbag on her, um, and tryin' to show you how to do it, that means the plane is definitely going to crash. Those guys were really mean. [laughter] And so when I got on there, I kinda--I did not believe them because I'm not that gullible. But when I got on the plane, um, I could see them 'cause they were on the other si-- on the other row, on the other aisle. And, um, when the la-- when the stu-- um, 00:20:00is it a stewardess?

HALASKA: I think flight attendant now--

FELTEN: Yes, one of the flight--

HALASKA: --but at the time was probably stewardess, yeah.

FELTEN: [laughs] When she started doing that, I looked back at them and they're, like, leaning over looking at me and giggling. So, I just knew, okay, this is what we're gonna start it as. Okay, we're startin' my Navy career like this, you know, these two shenanigan guys. [laughter] So when we got to, um, Chicago airport, um, it was O'Hare and they told us to go to the USO [United Service Organizations]. So, went to the USO, very interesting, never heard of the USO before that.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: Probably should have, but I have not--I had never heard of the USO. And so, um, after everyone had come in from the different areas that they were coming from, they put us all in this charter bus with TVs. And, um, the TVs were gonna tell us what all to expect in boot camp. [background noise]

HALASKA: Oh.

FELTEN: Which was very interesting and very th-- very happy that I got that because otherwise I wouldn't have known that I think, um, some of the stuff that they said to expect. And so, um, this was a very, um--it was night. And, uh, our bus was very delayed. And when we got on the bus finally, uh, from Chicago O'Hare to Great Lakes is usually about thirty to forty-five minute drive. That night, it was three and a half to four hours 'cause it was a blizzard, [laughter] lots of snow. I think they got three feet dumped on them that night. So, like, the bus is going really slow 'cause they're plowin' the road as it's, like, really full of snow. And we get there and I'm wide awake. Other people were sleeping. It's very quiet on the bus. And I'm looking out and, you know, it's--nothing's going on out there. I'm just like, this is kinda not what I 00:22:00expected. And then all of a sudden, these guys come on the, uh, bus and they start yelling at us and telling us that we better get our you-know-what off. [laughter] And so we--we were running and they were telling us to for-- you know, um, get in formation. And nobody knows what that means really 'cause you're new. And, um, it--it was very scary 'cause it was night and you had all the snow anyway, and you kinda were at a restful place on the bus and it was nice and warm. And then you get out in that nice cold weather and then you realize, oh Lord, what did I get myself into. [laughter] So, we--we were taken into these barracks and they told us that that's where we were gonna be. And there were uh-- people who were already there. But wh-- when we got in there and we started to set our stuff down, they came back and told us that, no, pick our stuff up and we're going somewhere else. [Halaska laughs] So, we ended up, um, 00:23:00going to our barracks marching. And where they had taken us was across the street, so--in--in, uh, Recruit Training Command, there is a main highway that goes down, um, both sides of the base. And then how you get to both sides of the base is there's an--a walkway underneath the road. Well, with all the snow, that walkway had about three or four feet of snow in it. And it--

HALASKA: Oh, no.

FELTEN: --was very cold and very high. And you're tryin' to march in it and it's just not happening. So, we were trying to get over there. And, um, it was--it was very scary 'cause they kept yelling at us because we couldn't get out of that. And people were falling because it was slick. [laughter] And I just remember think--

HALASKA: What kind of clothes were you wearing?

FELTEN: Um--

HALASKA: Like, what did they--

FELTEN: Uh, blue jeans and a--uh, a button-down, red t-shirt. [laughs] I have pictures from the airport. [laughter]

HALASKA: Okay, I'm sorry. You--you were about to say something. I apologize. Um, 00:24:00you were thinking as everyone was yelling and you were marching and people were slipping. And it--

FELTEN: Yeah.

HALASKA: --was crazy, and --

FELTEN: I was just thinking how stupid of me to go to boot camp in [laughter]--in the winter. Like, that's literally my thought. Why did I go to boot camp in the winter? I did not think this through clearly. [laughter] So, the--you're there so you have to make the best of it. And it's very scary 'cause they're yelling at you and you're not used to people yelling at you. And then people are, like, crying and yo-- you're like everyone around me is an adult, 'cause I think I was probably the youngest. And other people were crying, like, do I need to be crying too. And it was just really, really scary. [laughs] And then see--like, they took us to this barbershop kinda thing. So they had the guys, like, get their hair completely shaved off. And I wa-- I just thought that's exactly what I expected. And so I felt very happy that I at least knew 00:25:00something that was gonna go on. [laughter] But they took the women, like, to--they took us over. And I had already gotten my hair cut, uh, quite short because I was preparing. I didn't want anything to happen or, you know, have to stop and get my hair cut or be yelled at 'cause it's too long or whatever. So I had already gotten my hair cut really short. And then there was this other, um, uh, recruit who had really long, really pretty hair. And I guess her recruiter had told her that she would not have to cut it off. And the--I thought--I think when they put her in that chair, they were all laughing about, like, the, um--the petty officers were laughing about her being told that and believing that her hair would not be cut. And I just thought that's really mean [laughs] 'cause she's clearly traumatized from her hair being cut.

HALASKA: Aw.

FELTEN: Yep.

HALASKA: All right, so it was a very busy, cold, chaotic first night.

FELTEN: Yes.

HALASKA: Okay. But you eventually got to--was there anything else about that night that kind of stuck out to you?

FELTEN: I think they let us call home.

HALASKA: Mm.

FELTEN: Like, we had to [laughs]--we had to pee in a cup first. So, I remember, like, them makin' us walk around and drink a whole lotta water and said that you couldn't leave the area unless you could go. And, uh--'cause they're not gonna send someone who's got drugs on them [laughs] through. I had no idea. Like, I'm so probably naïve and I had no idea that that's what they were checking for. [laughs]

HALASKA: Mm, mm-hmm.

FELTEN: And so, um, I was just like, oh man, I didn't--who would bring drugs to boot camp. Like, that was [laughter] just my thought. And well, there were some 00:27:00people who did not make it through that night. But, um, they--uh, then they let us make these phone calls to--and it was just, like, less than a minute phone call 'cause they were yelling at us in the background. And so it was a room with, like, poles and, like, two telephones up here and two telephones below it. So, everyone could fit in there at once and make that phone call so they could be yelled at to get out. And so [laughter] that's what they did to us. And, um, I remember calling and when I heard my mom and she could hear the yelling in the background, [laughter] and she's like, "What's going on? That sounds really terrible." And I--like, at that point, like, I believe I started to tear up 'cause I'm just like, it does sound pretty terrible. [laughter] I'm right here, but survived. [laughter]

HALASKA: It is. [laughter] Okay. And then--so you guys settled in for the night 00:28:00in your new building. Um, tell me about the--the next morning.

FELTEN: The next morning they woke us up really early. It was still dark. Um, I believe, like, they gave us, um--and don't quote me. But I--I feel like they gave us sweatpants 'cause I don't remember wearing my jeans after that first day.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: But--but they made us, like, put 'em in this big bag and seal it so nobody could get into their--their personal stuff, and then it got put away. Um, but then I feel like the first week we were try-- like, getting uniforms and--

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN:--getting our doctor visits and peoples' wisdom teeth pulled and stuff like that. Um, so, and that may have been more than just one week.

HALASKA: Yeah.

FELTEN: But I remember back then it was the dungarees, so it was the, um--the 00:29:00bellbottoms. And, um, they, uh--they're a hundred percent cotton, so they shrink. And you don't know it until you get your first pair 'cause then they, like--you put 'em on, the ladies chalk 'em, and then just hem 'em and everything. And you're like, well, these fit perfect. But then when you get 'em washed and you get 'em back, well, they're shrunk about an inch or two, so you're hel-- you're wearing highwaters the whole time. [laughter] It probably helped with snow not gettin' in your [laughs]--in your pants legs there.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: But, um, it was interesting because the dungarees were not very comfortable. Like, it felt like wearing prison attire. [laughs]

HALASKA: Okay. So dungarees, that was your, like, every day uniform?

FELTEN: Yes.

HALASKA: Yes, okay.

FELTEN: And you--it's a uniform that you can't wear off base. You can wear it to work and you can wear it to and from home if you live off base. But you can't be goin' and seen out grocery shopping in it.

HALASKA: Okay. So, is it--it's a work--okay, so a work uniform.

FELTEN: Yeah.

HALASKA: Um, okay.

FELTEN: And they have done away with that now.

HALASKA: Oh, okay.

FELTEN: Like, that's a phased out uniform 'cause even while we were in boot camp, they were, um, switching over to polyester uniforms--

HALASKA: Mm.

FELTEN: --with no bellbottom, just straight legs. [laughter] Yeah.

HALASKA: All right. What--what happened next?

FELTEN: So, um, a bunch of ladies in a big room, lots of bunkbeds. And it--um, it--it was interesting because m-- I don't--I have no thi-- nothing else to compare it to, but I feel like it looked like prison [laughs] just 'cause the bunkbeds. And there--it was just a long room with nothing but bunkbeds. And, um, we had a bathroom that was attached. And the stalls, um, I believe they did not 00:31:00have doors, um, and then a big shower area so people could shower. And there were so many of us that they had two shower days because only so many people can fit in the shower. So, um, they told us that we were gonna be an integrated unit. And what integrated mean i-- or meant is that, um, we were gonna be m-- meshed with a male unit. So half of us would be going to the unit right below us and that--half of that unit would be coming up to our unit. So, we were, um, 101 and 102 in boot camp. And so, uh, what happened is we didn't sleep together obviously. But any time we were marching or anything, we were with our unit. So, we were with the integrated unit. And I don't think that all the units were integrated because I remember going to the chow hall at one time and it just 00:32:00being, like, an all-male unit. And they happened to be looking like they're curious, like, why have they got women in their unit. Um, and so it was interesting. Um, and I--as far as, like, the marching and stuff, I hated the weather [laughs] 'cause I was not used to it. And they gave us, um--like, you had coats and stuff. You we-- you were warm. But, like, they made everyone wear, um--I want to say, like, there was this ski mask that was issued, standard issued. And, like, everyone was told to wear it because I guess it must've been, like, some cold temperature that day or whatever. And I told them I did not want to wear it because it, uh, causes static with [laughs] your hair 'cause it just--it looked like a--a robbery mask, like somebody puttin' on to go rob a service station or something. And, um, we--like, I got yelled at for that one 00:33:00'cause everyone has to be uniform. And I just thought, well, why isn't this just for the men. [laughs] Like, that--this is like a hunting mask and I don't wanna wear it. [laughter] I wore it.

HALASKA: Yeah.

FELTEN: And it's funny how you--like, if you got that perspective and you're marching and you're looking at every single person who's in your marching line, you couldn't tell who was man and who was woman. [laughs] Everyone looked the same.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: You could guess by the height, but that was about it. [laughs]

HALASKA: It's the only indicator.

FELTEN: Yep.

HALASKA: Um, so, um, what kind of training were you doing?

FELTEN: As far as boot camp?

HALASKA: Yeah.

FELTEN: Um, they, uh--they showed us the pool. They have a pool. And, um, they--everyone has to go off the high dive.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: And so we were told to bring a bathing suit to, uh, boot camp with us. Everyone did. And we--I was told about that by my--by my, um, recruiter. I kinda figured that anyway 'cause it's the Navy. You gotta know how to swim. Um, and so we got--they had us change out and we're all sitting on these bleachers in this--this pool room. And, um, they asked us, "Who here does not know how to swim?" And I just thought what a stupid question. Like, [laughs] we're all in the Navy. We better know how to swim if our sh-- if our ship sinks. And so, um, nobody raised their hand. And I--then pe-- he started yelling and saying, "If you don't know how to swim and you don't say it, you're gonna go off the high dive and then you'll have to have us--one of the SEALs [Sea, Air, and Land Teams] save you," 'cause they had the Navy SEALs in the pool. And I just thought seriously, like, is somebody gonna raise their hand. Well, here come ten hands pop up. And so those people got pulled out and apparently they had to go to swim 00:35:00classes and learn how to swim throughout boot camp, which I thought was interesting that they did that.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: Nice for people who go in and don't know how to swim, but interesting. I didn't expect that. So then the--we all had to go, um, up to the high dive and jump off. That was very scary 'cause once you get up there it's, like, three stories up. And so they had us walk to the edge and you cross your hands over your chest and you just step off. And, um, you see down below it--it's very deep, like, a very big swimming pool. And you could see the Navy SEALs down there waiting for you to jump off. And I think, like, they were waiting to see if--if you could really swim because apparently some--there was one person who had not raised their hand and they made them jump anyway.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: And so, um, you jump off and then you had to tread water for--I--I forget however long. But just to see that you could swim. And then there was 00:36:00another one that they made us do. They told us that, um, there would be a week. It was, like, hell week kinda thing where you're up for an ungodly amount of time and you're going through all these different obstacles. And one of them would be that you jump into the pool with your dungarees on and with your boots on and you'd have to tread water that way and stay in formation and get everyone on to a life preserver and safe and sound. And the SEALs were, um, sharks. So they had little fins too. [laughter] It was kinda scary. [background coughing] And if you got tapped, we were told, "Do not--if you--if something taps your foot," 'cause that's what the SEALs were checking. They were underneath, like, tapping peoples' feet. "If something taps your foot, do not kick it. If you kick it, you're gonna be going down to the bottom," because you're going to kick a SEAL and he's gonna take you down. [laughter] So, I think everyone survived that 00:37:00but it was very hard. Um, it doesn't seem like it's hard. But once you have the clothes on and you're in the water, it's very hard and it's cold and, um, you would rather be anywhere but there. So, um, that was one of the things. And then they taught us about culture and etiquette. And so anyone who has no idea what the insignias are or, um, what the rank is, they teach you that. They also taught us how to write a check, which I thought was really odd 'cause [clears throat] we're all supposed to be adults. But I found it very helpful because I was not an adult prior to that. [laughter] So, it was very helpful to learn how to write a check. We, um, also learned how to firefight. So, we had to donn the attire and, um, learn all the--the names of everything and the equipment and 00:38:00what comes out of them. And, um, what is helpful if you're putting out jet fuel, what is helpful if you're putting out a regular fire. Um, and then we had the firehose and we all had to take turns, like, moving the nozzle around. It looks easier than it is. The firefighters [Halaska laughs] really make that look very well compared to what it feels like 'cause when you get that and it's --it's very powerful, so sometimes hard to hold on to. Um, and then we learned about biohazards and about biowarfare. And we, um--we got to go through the gas chamber, which was not so much fun. But I had, uh--we were in firefighting training. And it was not so, um--it did not keep me awake, let's just say that. So, like, I was having trouble falling--or staying awake 'cause not gettin' 00:39:00enough sleep at night anyway and tired from marching, and then they got the heat on. And I think they did it intentionally 'cause it was really nice and toasty in there. And so I had fallen asleep and I got tapped by one of the petty officers and I was told yo-- that I just bought myself a ticket at the end of the line. And at the last group that goes in the gas chamber, apparently we were supposed to stand there longer or whatever. So, they put us in the gas chamber. And there was this big glass window that you could see through to people in there. And people in there could see out to you. So, our petty officers were standing out there in front of that window and just watching. And we all had the donned ti-- or the attire that was, um, donned by us. And they put us in rows and sh-- I got my last row. And I think there was four different rows. But so the guy--the instructor's telling us what he's doing. And he cracks open one of 00:40:00the canisters. And he tells the first group--once it's kinda, like, foggy in there, tells the first group to take off their masks. And you see what's going on with them and you're just like, I don't want that to happen to me ever. And so then, like, it goes three more times. And then by the time it got to me, I was thinking, you know, maybe I can outsmart this a little bit [laughter] if I just take a deep breath and hold it. Maybe I will survive and not have that happen to me. [laughter] So, petty officer's, like, looking at me 'cause I think he had something out for me or something. And, um, they got to the point where it was, like, take off your masks. And so I took this really deep breath in and I took off the mask. And all these other people were, like, dying, choking and stuff. And I'm sitting there just looking around. And the petty officer's looking through the glass at me and he--he taps on the other petty officer's 00:41:00shoulder and he's pointin' at me like, "Look what is going on." And I'm, like, must be immune. [laughter] And about that time it hit me, like, seriously really terrible. I--I don't even know how I looked, but I'm just--I can just imagine, like, crap comin' all outta your face and stuff. And so they had two people come, one on each arm, and tote you outta there 'cause you couldn't see. And, um, when I got out, the petty officers that had saw me holding my breath, they're like, "We should make you go again because you held your breath." And then they're laughing at me because, like, I don't know if it, like, just really hit me or whatever but it took a long time for it to go over. But, um, it was interesting. And it was interesting, like, seeing [laughs]--that whole area I'm like, I don't wanna go near that. That's, like, super germy, [laughs] super nasty 'cause there's mucus and everything all over the ground and in the garbage 00:42:00cans [laughter] and everything. It was just disgusting. Yeah, um, and gosh. Um, so then we had, uh, a workweek so we had to get a job. And they gave us jobs and mine was, uh, the scullery. Well, for those who don't know what a scullery is, the scullery is the kitchen, um, I guess plate cleaner. [laughs] You put the--the plates through the hot, um, machine and it washes them. And so that's, uh, th-- that was an interesting job. I, uh, did not eat very well after that for quite some time because the smell back there was really terrible because I guess they have, like--you know, normally in your house, you have, like, a, um, garbage disposal. They had, like, a really massive one, and I think it had not 00:43:00been emptied for several years 'cause it had this smell that just sticks with you, like you will never forget it. And that's--like, all I could smell was that 'cause that was all back there. And sometimes you gotta put stuff in through it and it just really had this bad smell to it. So, I, um--that helped me not be starving because I was always starving 'cause they don't feed you enough. But, um, I felt like that week I was not starving. [laughs]

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: Um, so, but that was interesting because then you get your first job. And I thought, well, I'm undesignated. I really hope this is not my job, [laughter] like, my real job.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm. Um, so just a few questions about training. Um, so, you said for training you were living in these big bays with all of these women. Um, and you said, um, that you're kind of shy. How--how was it going into this environment where there are these--all of these different women and probably 00:44:00from all different parts of the country? Can you tell me a little bit about, um, what it was like interacting with the other sailors?

FELTEN: It was really hard, um, especially, like, with the showering at first. I was not used to showering with other people, and it's just a big ole' open room and people sharing two to a showerhead --

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: --sharing a showerhead. And that was different and I just felt, like, um, um, very intimidated by that. But you have to shower, so you shower and you just get it over with and you party through it. Um, and as far as the other, like, um, living with the women, I--I had not a whole lotta problems with that 'cause I kinda went into it telling myself this is what I wanna be as an adult. I--I don't wanna be a shy person as an adult. [Clears throat] I need to make myself do more. So, I believe it was dental. I was sent to dental by myself. 00:45:00And, um, I went there and I sat there. And other sailors would come in and just sitting there waiting for them to call you back. And this one guy came in. I don't think he was from our area. And, uh, he just is sitting there kinda looking scared too. And I said, "Hi, how's your day?" Like, I just ma-- made myself say it because otherwise if I didn't, then, um, I w-- I felt like I'd continue to be the shy person. So I did that and I felt proud of myself afterwards because it was me putting myself--my--my goals of who I wanted to be out there. And it was successful. I mean, he was kinda very short-winded in his answer like, "Oh, I'm good." [laughs] And then I got called back, um, to the dentist and then left. And never thought anything more of it, I was just very 00:46:00happy that I made myself--like, pushed myself. However, the funny thing is is that guy that I said hello to, I don't know how he got my name. But he st-- he was my pen pal, so we wrote each other. [laughs]

HALASKA: Huh, how cool.

FELTEN: And it was funny because the, um, petty officers when they--when they did mail call, [laughs] everyone in the Navy has the same, um, envelopes and same paper. And it had, like, a naval ship on it with, like, blue--white and blue on it because you could buy 'em at the exchange across the street. So that's--everyone did that so that they could write home. And I got mail with that [laughs]--with that emblem and with that envelope, and I--my name got called and they're like, "Ah, what other sailor is writing you?" [laughter] It was like, "I have no idea who this is," until I opened it and I read what he had wrote. And I just thought, oh, how did he get my name? I don't remember giving 00:47:00my name. [laughs]

HALASKA: Right.

FELTEN: Kinda scary but it was--it was nice.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: Nice to have a pen pal.

HALASKA: Yeah.

FELTEN: 'Cause you don't have a whole lot that you can read or--you know, people can write you and stuff but --

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: --unless people are going through it, sometimes it doesn't help reading what they're writing you. So it was nice hearing, like, how he was doing 'cause he was in an all-male unit. And, um, I don't really re-- know why they were all male versus, like, integrated like we were. But that--it was interesting.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: And so that was one of the things at--for how I got out of being shy. And then--[coughs] 'scuse me. Then for the, um, being in with the women, you know, like, you observe and you see how people interact. And, um, i-- that's--like, that kinda got me out 'cause then, like, you have to talk to people. Otherwise, everyone is all independent and everyone's at the same level 00:48:00when they get there. Nobody knows anyone else. So that's kinda how I started. Um, but then I also thought, well, this is kind of a good way to kinda ease out of that because you're not supposed to be talking a whole lot of the time anyway. So, all--I can talk when I can, most of that being on Sundays because that's when people had some leave time.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: I don't know.

HALASKA: Okay. [laughs]

FELTEN: Um, and so I did make a couple of friends, um, Bailey [??] and Garza [??]. They were my best friends in boot camp. Um, Garza was my bunkmate, so I--

HALASKA: Okay.

FELTEN: I had a bottom bunk and she was right beside me. And we weren't actually--we hadn't talked to each other until one day I woke up and I looked over at her. And [laughs] I saw her laying in her bunk on her pillow and there was, like, blood all over her pillow. And I thought, oh, my God, you're dying. 00:49:00[laughs] So--so I'm like, "Garza, are you okay? Are you okay, Garza?" And she didn't respond. I think she had been on medication because of wisdom teeth being removed, right.

HALASKA: Oh, okay. [laughter]

FELTEN: I didn't know this. So, I'm, like, yelling for help. She's dying. And they get help over there. And, um, the female petty officer that was with us is like, "Laura, you just made a mountain out of a molehill. This woman just had her wisdom teeth out." [laughter] I thought she was dying. There was so much blood on that pillow. [laughter] [coughs] So that was, um--that was how I met Garza.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: And then Garza introduced me to Bailey, and Bailey was our education officer. So she, um--we were give-- different people were given different jobs.

HALASKA: Okay.

FELTEN: And Bailey wa-- was the education officer, so she was in charge of, like, training people for different things.

HALASKA: Okay.

FELTEN: And, um, I just really liked Bailey. She was so nice.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: And, uh, we--we became really good friends. Actually, we still keep in touch. Unfortunately, I lost touch with Garza because, um, I don't have a whole lot after that. Like, I--after boot camp we stayed together and we were even on the same aircraft carrier. But I did not get her phone number before, um, being discharged, so I don't have contact with her.

HALASKA: Okay.

FELTEN: I wish I did.

HALASKA: Um, where--where were they from?

FELTEN: Garza was from Texas.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: And Bailey was from Ohio.

HALASKA: Okay.

FELTEN: Mm-hmm.

HALASKA: So a little bit of Southern--

FELTEN: Yeah. [laughs]

HALASKA: --to kinda yaw, yes. [laughter]

FELTEN: We all stayed together. [laughter] We had a lot of good times together though.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: Esp-- like, I had more, um, time with Bailey.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: But that was because, like, our rooming after boot camp was together.

HALASKA: Okay.

FELTEN: So, um, our friendship grew even more after that. Um, but it was just 00:51:00nice to know. And we didn't know to ask each other, "Hey, where are you headed after this?" 'cause you don't know what to expect after boot camp. Okay, you're gonna be trained. But is everyone trained together at the same place, you don't know. And that may not be a question that you know to ask, so you just kinda thought that people were gonna be together.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: But that's not the case. So--but unfor-- like, fortunately, we were able to be together after boot camp and in training and stuff. So, we were fortunate for that. Um, yeah we had--we had a lotta good times together.

HALASKA: Good. Um, how--how long was boot camp?

FELTEN: You're--you're asking [laughter] [inaudible] to test my memory. I think it was either eight or twelve weeks long.

HALASKA: Okay.

FELTEN: I can't remember. And everyone was all scared because there--they would 00:52:00tell us, like, if you didn't pass an exam--there was an exam every week.

HALASKA: Okay.

FELTEN: And if you didn't pass an exam, you could be what they called ASMO'd [Assignment Memorandum Order] back. And so ASMO'd means that you get held back 'cause you're not finished with that train week. So then you get put in a new, um--a new unit who is at that week and you redo that week and go on with that unit.

HALASKA: Okay.

FELTEN: And sometimes that was very hard because you had people that you were friends with and they got left behind--

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: --um, for the previous unit. But then you made new friends because other people who were in other units got left behind too, so then they got added to our units.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm. What were the, uh, tests like?

FELTEN: Um, I feel like they were very hard because you are tired in the first place 'cause you--you get up before the sun comes up. You go to bed after the sun goes down. And there's sometimes watch. Like, I remember that was my big 00:53:00issue because I was all scared that I would not wake up for my watch 'cause we don't have alarm clocks in boot camp. So, like, that was a very scary thing for me because I thought I was gonna oversleep. And, um, so, where was I going with that?

HALASKA: Tests.

FELTEN: Oh, the tests. So, you're very tired anyway and you're starving because it's like they don't feed you enough because you're--you're training, so you're--you know, you're putting on muscle and you need to feed that muscle. And you're just not gettin' enough food for what--what they're giving you. And so with all that plus, like, you're outside in the cold and then you come in to the warm and you got all these layers on. And, um, you're sitting there listening to someone talk that may not be very entertaining to keep you awake. [Halaska laughs] And so it's very hard to pay attention to it. And that's--I found that that made it so hard for the tests because if you're not ready for it, then the 00:54:00tests are not gonna be very helpful for you because you didn't pay attention in class or you fell asleep or whatever. Um, so I would say that they were kinda hard. They got harder too. Like, the first week it wasn't so hard. And I wanna say that maybe that has something to do with progression of sleep deprivation maybe.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: I'm not sure.

HALASKA: Um, do you know--do you remember, um, at all, like, what--what the tests were on? Like, was it, you know, during different weeks you learn different things and--so, like--

FELTEN: Exactly.

HALASKA: Okay.

FELTEN: So, like, there was one with firefighting. There was one with insignias and ranks and you had to salute. Um, there was--gosh, I know there were more. But those are the ones --

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: --that really stood out for me.

HALASKA: And were most of these, like, paper tests --

FELTEN: Yes.

HALASKA:--that you would just do? Okay.

FELTEN: Yep.

HALASKA: Did they have any practical, um, sides to them? So, like, lanes [??] or something that you had to do?

FELTEN: Well, I mean, like, the saluting they--

HALASKA: Yeah.

FELTEN: You did that, like, practically. But, like, um, to know the, um--the insignia--

HALASKA: Yeah.

FELTEN: --and peoples', um, ranks and stuff, it helped you know who you needed to salute. [laughs]

HALASKA: Mm-hmm. Yeah.

FELTEN: And some people knew that going in.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: Like, I--I felt very angry at myself because there were people who, like, zoomed through that kinda thing. And I did not study beforehand 'cause I just did not know that that was something that was gonna come up that I'm gonna be doing tests in boot camp.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: But, uh, I--I--I know now [laughter] this late.

HALASKA: Yeah. Um, is there anything else in boot camp that you wanna, uh, touch on before we move on to, um, [inaudible]?

FELTEN: I will say that, um, we had several days that were very fun in boot camp, I guess you could say.

HALASKA: Okay.

FELTEN: So, um, one of those days was y-- you know when you go and you get your picture made by the flag.

HALASKA: Mm.

FELTEN: And they do that in boot camp in the Navy. I don't know how they do in other branches, but in the Navy it's in boot camp. And they have this--this, like, um, van come with, like, a studio in the back. And they told u-- they gave us ten minutes to get ready. And you could only get ready from the waist up, like you're not puttin' on your dress pants or your dress shoes [laughter] 'cause they're only takin' the picture of your waist up.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: So, um, and they gave us--they told us that they would allow us to wear makeup for the pictures. That was the first time we ever--like, we got to get our makeup again. So, that was very important. [laughs] Even though it really is not, it was very important to have that. And so, um, I remember, like, fighting 00:57:00over a mirror to get [laughter]--to get your eyeliner on. And everyone's, like, hurrying up and it's like, "Do you got this? Can I borrow this?" And, you know, it just felt like, you know, girls being girls. [laughs] And so, um, we lined up and then they took us outside. And I remember these three guys were out there on snow detail and they were shoveling. And they saw us come out and they were our brothers, so they were part of our group just, you know, depending on which group it was. So, they saw us and they're like, "Man, you guys look like women now." [laughter] Like we had not looked like women before. Um, and it--I don't know if that was insulting or if that was, like, a compliment [laughs] or whatever. But [Halaska laughs] it was interesting to hear their perspective because we had actually, like, could use curling irons and we had curled our hair, straightened our hair, and had put makeup on. And it--it was just one of 00:58:00those things that you, um--you don't have to do but if you do it before going in and then you lose that, like, you feel, um, like you're not fully dressed.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: And so then when you're able to get back at that and at least have a little bit of it, you feel like, okay, I feel like I'm rewarded today because this was very nice and I feel honored. And so then when they took us up in the tru-- in the van, um, it was one at a time. And you could see 'cause you're waitin' in line when the next person's up there and what they're askin' you to do. And it just looked really nice 'cause they had the flag there and, um, the background. And so you get up there and you're just, like, thinking, oh, this is gonna be really nice. I'm glad I bought these pictures. [laughs]

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: And so, um, they took the picture. And a whole fifteen minutes maybe and you're--then you have to change back out. But it was nice to have that fifteen 00:59:00minutes for, you know, one--one time in the middle of boot camp. [laughs]

HALASKA: Yeah.

FELTEN: Um, 'cause it was very helpful to give you a little bit of identity that you had lost--

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: --um, during boot camp. And then, um, the other piece that I wanted to talk about was, um, after--after that one really, like, hell week, bad week where you have been training and it leads up to that gauntlet that you go through. Um, and you're up all night for--it felt like two, three nights. Um, and you're basically feel like you're at war. Um, the--and I don't wanna negate what war feels like, but it felt like it was a simulated war because the--the [background coughing] atmosphere that they put you in and the--I mean, they had it right down to, like, muddy areas that you crawl through with, like, a--uh--a 01:00:00dead person, which was one of your peers in a--in one of the racks that they give you because they'd been injured. It was just really, really tough, really rigorous, and lots and lots of running. So, um, we finally made it to the end of that. And it--the very--I wanna say the last thousandths feet, um, I was just like I can't do this anymore. This is, like, too much. And petty officer comes back to me and she's runnin' beside me and she's like, "You better not stop. If you stop, you're gettin' ASMO'd back." And I'm like, "I don't wanna be ASMO'd but I am dead, like I'm dying here. I can't do it anymore." And she's like, "Yo-- look, the door's right there. Do not stop." [laughter] And I think I just had, like, a little meltdown at that time 'cause I'm just like I don't know what this is leading up to but I can't. I just can't. I'm dying and I can't. And so she helped me through it. And we got in there and it was just a totally 01:01:00different environment. Like, we got formation and you just don't know what's gonna happen next. You're like, okay, are we gonna be called out for who didn't make it or something? But what happened is they start--they start playing our national anthem. And they have a flag and you have a re-- recruit ball cap on. And they walk through and they get your recruit ball cap and they give you the Navy ca-- ball cap.

HALASKA: Mm.

FELTEN: And they shake your hand and give you your, um--for us it was a crow because it went into our dress hat. Um, they give it to you in there. They say, "Welcome, sister." And so, like, that was really, really, like, why I went to boot camp. Like--

HALASKA: Yeah.

FELTEN: --I feel like I'm a part of something bigger now. And I'm accepted and, you know, I've done some majorly tough things in the past few weeks. And I feel very proud of myself and I can sit here and say I don't know that I've been more 01:02:00proud of myself. And so it was just one of those times where you see people havin' a sh-- tears run down their face. And, um, it really made you think that, you know, you're part of something and you belong. It's not just, you know, them saying this and--or saying that, but you really belong to something. And nobody can take that away from you.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: So that was--that was probably, like, the best time. The best part of boot camp is that piece. And then afterwards we get to have a really long breakfast with our [laughter]--with the petty officers 'cause they welcomed us into the Navy.

HALASKA: That's wonderful. Um, what was, um, graduation like?

FELTEN: Um, they told us going into it, uh, some people pass out [laughs] 'cause it's so long of standing.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: And so [laughs] if you feel like you're going to pass out, uh, very 01:03:00intricately make your way to the back of the room and stand against the wall. [laughter]

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: Just don't pass out in the middle of the floor. [Halaska laughs] And so, um, I was kinda scared going into that. Like, I d-- do people really pass out [laughs] just standing there?

HALASKA: If they lock their knees.

FELTEN: Yeah. [Halaska laughs] So, um, lots of practice leading up to it. But you're--you knew your parents were coming and you knew you're--you're gonna be able to see them again.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: And it's gonna be a liberty weekend. And you haven't had a liberty weekend in--since you first went in. 'Scuse me. And so, um, when we finally got there and we were able to be in our dress uniform, it was--it was a long time. [laughs] It took a long time. But it was really, like, nostalgic 'cause you're like this is all for me. And I know that sounds very narcissistic, but it really 01:04:00was. Like, I did--I did my part and this is their part of say-- saying look at who we're welcoming into our ranks. And that's how I saw it. And it was very--like, you felt--again, you felt like you had made something of yourself. And so that's--I would say, like, that was a very, um, nostalgic moment. And it--let's forget even being--would be around your family. Just being there and making it that far and knowing that there were a lot of people who did not make it that far.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: It was, um--it was s-- something to be honor--feel honorable for.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: So.

HALASKA: Well, excellent. Um, one more question about training. Um, did you do any weapons training in basic?

FELTEN: [laughs] Um, yes--

HALASKA: Okay.

FELTEN: --and no. [laughter]

HALASKA: Oh, okay.

FELTEN: So, our weapons, um, training, we had to test for, like, sharpshooter 01:05:00and stuff.

HALASKA: Okay.

FELTEN: But we didn't have live rounds. We didn't have live guns. It was all electronic on this--like, they had a screen. And you used this gun that does not fire rounds. It's almost like a videogame.

HALASKA: Yeah, [Felten laughs] okay.

FELTEN: So that's how you test. And that was the extent of it. I never actually handled a gun. Like, they had play guns I thin-- I don't know that they call 'em play. But [laughs] it was like, um, stuff for marching. And that's--that's what you toted along. It was completely wood though. [laughs]

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: It was not real.

HALASKA: Okay. Just, um, realized I didn't touch on that so I just wanted to check. Okay. Um, all right. So at this time you had, um, graduated and, um, where--where were you going next and when did you find that out?

FELTEN: Um, well, after graduation and after the weekend of, um, liberty--

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: --um, it--I think it was Sunday people started shipping out.

HALASKA: Okay.

FELTEN: And it was kinda odd 'cause it was very--like, there were a lot of people missing from the bunkbeds. [laughs]

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: And a lot of people missing from the area. So, even though they were happy to leave, it was kinda sad to see them go.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: Um, and then that's how I f-- figured out that I was the same undesignated as, uh, Bailey and Garza 'cause we were all together. And they finally told us to get our sea bags 'cause we're loadin' up on the bus. And I thought, oh, I wonder where we're going now. So, we get all on the bus and I'm thinking this is gonna be a long ride. [laughs] Five minutes later [laughter]--literally five minutes later, um, they get us to the other side of the base. [laughter] It was really one of those, like, oh, you just pulled a fast one on me. [laughter] I'm not goin' on a plane today, am I. [laughs] So, we 01:07:00got over to the other base. And, um, they gave us different barracks. And the barracks, it was a women's building so only women would be in there. I wanna say it was, like, two floors. And, um, there were two b-- two showers on each floor and then there were also shower charts. So you had to still shower with people. It was the same shower as what was in boot camp. Um, but the rooms were different. They had th-- three or four beds in them. I can't remember. And then a desk for each person.

HALASKA: Mm, okay. Um, what was, um--so, how quickly did you guys start training then?

FELTEN: Um, I wanna say the first three weeks.

HALASKA: Okay.

FELTEN: We were mo-- we were not training. We were, um, doing physical labor. 01:08:00And [laughter] we were, like, removing furniture from this other empty barracks--

HALASKA: Mm, Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: --that was a few barracks down. And they needed the furniture outta there. And I have no idea why. Like, I just felt like we were--you know, what I thought it was is that they want us to do this so that somebody else has to put it back. Like, [laughter]--like, it--there was no rhyme or reason to it. It was really one of those things where, "You guys take this down. We're not tellin' you why. You just take it out and put it in this area here." And then we got, like, most of the area moved out. And there was some heavy--heavy beds and stuff in there. And so there was no, like, "We're gonna paint it now," or, "We're gonna fumigate it," or somethin'. I swear the next group probably moved that furniture back in. [laughter]

HALASKA: Designated busywork so people don't get in trouble.

FELTEN: Yeah. Yeah, so--

HALASKA: Um--oh, go ahead.

FELTEN: Oh, I was gonna say. So, after that, after three weeks of that--

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: --we ended up starting training, which it felt like boot camp except for--

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: --we weren't running and--and marching or whatever. And we had more time to ourselves.

HALASKA: Okay.

FELTEN: Um, we couldn't leave the base but we had liberty outside of the barracks. So, there was a base club and most people went over to that base club because it was a dance club. And a lot of people couldn't drink so they could dance. [laughter]

HALASKA: Um, during that three to four weeks when you were doing the moving of the furniture, um, were you allowed to go off base during that time?

FELTEN: Uh-uh.

HALASKA: No?

FELTEN: It was, uh--I wanna say that it was just after we started the training piece--

HALASKA: Mm.

FELTEN: --that we could take little trips to the mall and stuff.

HALASKA: Okay.

FELTEN: Yep.

HALASKA: Um, all right. Well, tell me about, um--when did you find out what kind 01:10:00of training you were gonna be doing?

FELTEN: The day the training started. [laughs]

HALASKA: The day the training starts, okay. Did you, um--so, all three of you were undesignated and you went to the other side of the base. Um, had they designated you at that point in time?

FELTEN: No.

HALASKA: No? Okay.

FELTEN: No. In fact, with undesignated they don't get designated until you designate yourself. So, the way that works is that when you become a petty off-- like, a third-class petty officer, you gotta take an exam for that.

HALASKA: Okay.

FELTEN: And in order--so in the Navy, say you wanna become a mena-- like, an aircraft mechanic. You have to take a test to become an AD [Aviation Machinist's Mate]. And, um, anyone can take that test, anyone undesignated. If they study, you can go and take for it--take it, and then you can be presented with your crow, um, if you pass. So then--then you designate yourself.

HALASKA: Okay.

FELTEN: That's if you wanna be an--like, a mechanic. Or y-- a parachute rigger or whatever it is. So that's the way it was. You'd--you kinda see what other people do. But the other thing though is if you're not working in that designation--so, say you wanna be a parashir-- a parachute rigger but you're not working in that shop, it's a little hard to get to that shop if you get designated as that. So, what I mean by that is for example, when I went to my squadron, um, anyone that was undesignated--

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: --could go to what we called the line shack. And the line shack were plane captains. You were gonna become a plane captain. So, basically plane captain is the person who is in charge of the plane and making sure that all the stuff works the way it should, all the flaps are opening and stuff. And doing those checks with the officer who is the captain of the--the aircraft and then 01:12:00sending them--launching them off. So that's what a--a plane captain does.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: And so--and then they recover them when they come and make sure no hyperextends and stuff like that. But that's--that's what, um, in a squadron what you'd be going to if you were not designated because plane captains are not really a designation. Um, and so if you train on that, the--the thought is is that you're doing a job and you're productive until you get to whatever shop it is that you take the test for and you become designated for that.

HALASKA: Okay. Um, so what were you trained on, um, in this advanced training that you went to next?

FELTEN: I feel like the training was very--it was very general.

HALASKA: Okay.

FELTEN: Like, there was not a whole lot of, you know, this is this or this is that. Um, it was more along the lines of, um, what aircrafts ar-- like, what 01:13:00kinda aircraft there are, um, terminology. I think they show-- I could be wrong. But I think that at that training they showed us a video, um, of a--a v-- a video on top of a aircraft carrier where--and this was, like, a safety video where somebody had been, um, sucked into an intake. So they wanna make sure that you know to stay away from the intakes if you're gonna be takin' care of planes. [laughs] And then they showed one of on top of an aircraft carrier where the--the line--the plane had come in. It had caught the line, as it should so that it could slow down. And somebody was standing too close [Halaska gasps] to that line and lost a leg. So, they'd show us those kinda things that are just 01:14:00really yucky and you're just, like, I'm not gonna do that ever. And then they'd tell you about props and you don't wanna walk into a prop 'cause you can't see 'em when they're on. And people have walked into them.

HALASKA: Agh.

FELTEN: Yeah, so it was--

HALASKA: Sorry.

FELTEN: --pretty disgusting [laughs] I would say. But it was very general. So they didn't base it to any one aircraft or, um, any one ship or whatever. It was just very general here this is what--you know, what to expect and here's some safety precautions--

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: --and stuff.

HALASKA: Um, were you expecting, um, that you were gonna get put on a ship?

FELTEN: Well, [laughs] let the journey begin. I kinda thought I was gonna be. [laughter] Yeah.

HALASKA: Um, okay, 'cause that's one of those things where I wasn't--women were--were not allowed on ships and then they were allowed on some ships. And so 01:15:00at this time they were allowed on ships, and --

FELTEN: Yeah, they didn't tell us anything like that.

HALASKA: Okay.

FELTEN: I mean, going--the one time that I realized about being a woman made some difference--

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: --was in boot camp.

HALASKA: Okay.

FELTEN: Um, we were sitting there and they--they asked us who wants to go, um, to SEAL school, um, who wants to be a SEAL. And I raised my hand. [laughs] I had watched "G.I. Jane".

HALASKA: Yeah, yeah.

FELTEN: And, uh, tha-- they laughed at me and told me to put my hand down 'cause I'm a woman and I can't be in that. So that was, like, the first time that I realized that being a woman was a little bit different --

HALASKA: Mm.

FELTEN: --in the military. And that I may not be able to do everything that I wanna do because of that. So, um, I did not--I didn't know going in what ships women could be on or if women could be on ships or what would be the case. But I do know that, um, when I got my first orders, and the first orders said that I 01:16:00was going to VAQ-139, I had no idea what that meant. [laughs] So I had to Google it.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: And back then, they didn't really have a lot of Google. So, [Halaska laughs] I think it was AOL it. [laughter]

HALASKA: Um, is there anything else about, um, your advanced training, any other stories or, um, people that you wanted to talk about from that time?

FELTEN: Um, I would say that after basic training, all the people who were our petty officers in basic training, um, lived around the base that we were on currently--

HALASKA: Mm.

FELTEN: --'cause obviously it's attached to the other base. And we would see them periodically at the base club. [laughs]

HALASKA: Mm-hmm. Oh, okay.

FELTEN: It was a little bit different--

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: --seeing them outside of work because you're like that guy made me stand in the gas chamber for extra-long, you know. [laughs] And, um, it was--it was 01:17:00different. Like, I--I had made some friends and I had fit in at that tr-- like, at training. Um, 'cause, again, I was tryin' to put myself out there and not be shy. So, um, I ended up going to the base, um, club one night. And I didn't n-- I didn't know my friends were gonna be there or not, so I went there. And Bailey wasn't there. Garza wasn't there. But some other people who I was friends with from boot camp were there. And they're like, "Let's dance." And I said, "I can't dance. I don't know how to dance." And they're like, "No, no. We'll show you. We'll show you." I'm like, "I don't feel comfortable bein' out there. I don't know how to dance." [laughs] So then we get out there, they're like, "Yeah, you don't know how to dance. [laughter] We'll show you." So, um, they--they actually showed me how--how to dance.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: And it was just very, very nice to have them, like, feel like we're still part of something, you know.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: Even though we're kinda broken apart with people gone wherever they're going for training. Um, it was nice to know that, uh, even if they didn't know your name, uh, but they saw your face, like, they were willing to be there for you. And come on, let you come into their group to talk or whatever or to dance. [laughs]

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: Um, that would--I'd say that that, um, kind of made me come outta my shell more 'cause it's like, okay, this is different than--than high school. This is different than middle or elementary school. Like, it's easier to fit in because I feel like we have something in common now.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: And we will always have that in common, so, yeah.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm, excellent. Um, all right. So, tell me about, um, going to your 01:19:00first duty station.

FELTEN: Um, well, I took, I think, ten days' leave in between, um, uh, training and--

HALASKA: Okay.

FELTEN: --my first duty station. So that was nice to be f-- be home.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: Um, but then after that, my flight went to Seattle. And then I had to take a little charter plane from Seattle to, um, Whidbey Island. [laughs]

HALASKA: Where's, um, Whidbey Island?

FELTEN: It was, um, two hours north of Seattle --

HALASKA: Okay.

FELTEN: --if you drive.

HALASKA: If y-- okay.

FELTEN: If you take a ferry, it's different.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: But you could take a ferry. It's--it's an island off the coast of, um, Whidbey Island, or off the coast of, uh, Washington.

HALASKA: Okay.

FELTEN: And it's connected by this very popular, um, area called Deception Pass. It's been in a lotta movies. And it's very nice area, very beautiful. But 01:20:00it's--lotta people out there, a lot of visitors and stuff. But, so I went to Seattle. I knew no one and you were over there. Um, but I thought that would be probably the best part 'cause I had actually selected that duty station.

HALASKA: Mm.

FELTEN: When you--when you get to select your three in, uh, MEPS or whatever, that was one that I had selected.

HALASKA: Okay.

FELTEN: Because I knew, like, if I selected somethin' that was close to my family, um, I may not break outta my shell. So, I wanted to just isolate myself a little bit and have the time to be me and develop me. And so that's why I was happy to get that, but very--[laughs] like, not very happy once I actually saw that I got it. [laughs] Like, I'm just like now I gotta really stick to my plan, you know. [Halaska laughs] Um, so, I, um--I got to, uh, SeaTac Airport and, uh, it was very big. And I'm just like I've got--I think I had, like, a three-hour 01:21:00layover. It was ridiculous amount of time. And I asked, "Well, how much would it be to take a taxi [laughs] to there? I just wanna get there and be done with it." And somebody laughed at me because I asked that. They're like, "That's way too far for a taxi. You can't do that." [laughter] And so, um, I ended up just doin' whatever and I got on the plane. And it was very scary 'cause it was a very small plane.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: And got to the base and I think one of the people on the plane with me was an officer. And, uh, we got to this, uh, airport and it was so tiny. It--it seriously looked smaller than, like, the Oshkosh Airport. [laughter] It was tiny and there wasn't really anything in there besides, like, somebody at a desk. And, uh, um, I'm just like I have no idea where I'm at. Like, I mean, I could be in another country and I wouldn't know it. So, I'm sitting there and I'm, like, 01:22:00kinda thinking what should I do from here. I don't--do I need to get transport to the base? I don't know 'cause they didn't say that, but I'm guessing that's the case. How far is it to [inaudible]? You know, like, all these things going through my head. And one of the--one of the men who I said I think was an officer on the plane, he approaches me. And I think it was his wife with him or whatever. And he says, "Hey, are you--are you goin' to NAS [Naval Air Station] Whidbey Island?" And I said, "Yeah. How would you know?" [laughs] And he says, "'Cause you look very new." [laughter] And I said, "I am. I've never been here before." And he says, "Oh, you know what? You're in luck." He says, um, "We can take you around the base and show you and we'll drive you to your--your duty station." And it--and I'm just like, well, I'm glad his wife is here because I was always told not to hitchhike [laughs] and I felt like that was hitchhiking.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: So, but he was nice and he--he was a commander or whatever. And I 01:23:00thought, wow, that's really what they do. They take care of their people.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: So, um, he took me around the base, showed me the aircrafts and stuff that they have at the base. And then took me to the hangar bay for my squadron. And it was night, so, like, there was nobody there and it was on a weekend too. I think it was Sunday night. Um, and I go upstairs 'cause that's where the, um--the of-- officer on call was at. And so, uh, I saw him and I tell him that I'm reporting for duty. And, uh, [laughs] I think he just kind of expected people to be like everyone else and not be super new 'cause he's like, "Yeah, you're checked in now. Just come back tomorrow. Um, go--go to your barracks." I'm like, "I don't even know where any of this is." [laughs] And so, um, he--he told me where to go and stuff and, um, I did. And then, like, I went to my 01:24:00barracks, which was intimidating because it's three stories tall. And they put me on the third floor. And they told me that they were--they were gonna room me with Doc [??]. That's what they called her. She was our corpsman.

HALASKA: Okay.

FELTEN: And, um, they didn't have a lotta women in the barracks, but they'd room me with Doc 'cause Doc would show me the way. It's just like, okay, is she a doctor? Like, why do you keep calling her doc? [laughs] Okay, that's what they call their corpsmen. [laughs]

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: So, um, I didn't actually see her that night. Uh, but everyone else decided to introduce themselves to me. So my door kept getting' knocked on all--all evening. And, um, I think it was people just being nosy. And not really, like, hey, we're welcoming you in, we're just being nosy.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: And so the next day I went over to the squadron. And, uh, didn't have a 01:25:00car so I walked there. It's a very long parking lot. And [laughter]--and so I got in there, went up to admin. And, um, I just remember, like, them being so nonchalant and I'm like, gosh, I just got outta boot camp and training and we're supposed to be, like, all formal and you guys are not very formal [laughter] and very lax. And I'm just like when do we PT [physical training]? Oh no, you do that on your own. And--and it--I'm just like really? That's not a good idea 'cause I may not PT then. [laughter] And so that's, um--that's how it was. And, uh, checked in, the people were nice. I, um--uh, I was taken on a tour. And this was probably the second time that I realized that, um--that there were differences in women being there.

HALASKA: Mm.

FELTEN: So on the tour, I went down--they took me to each shop to introduce me. 01:26:00And went to the air framer shop and opened the door. Or, the--we knocked on the door and the guy opened the door. He was sittin' in a chair. And, um, the person who was introducing me was the parachute rigger. And she was a lady, so I think that's why they had her introduce me. And so, um, she's like, "This is our new airman and she's gonna be here." And, you know, just introducing me. And he's like, "Oh, great. Now I gotta take my effing calendar down." And behind him he had, like, a calendar of naked women on it. And I just was like did he really say that? You know, like, I said, "I'm not here for your calendar." [laughter] And I--like, it just came out 'cause I'm just like are you serious, you're gonna gripe about a calen-- I did not tell you I'm gonna take your calendar away, but that's what he went to. So, um, tha-- so, it kinda rubbed me the wrong way 01:27:00'cause I was just like, okay, this is what I'm going to? Like, I just came from two perfect areas and then now I'm gonna come to somethin' where women aren't wanted.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: Um, but un-- you know, fortunately, that was the only time that I had that. And then --

HALASKA: Good.

FELTEN: --when I brought it up later to somebody else in that shop, um, I was told he was just a little cranky. [laughter]

HALASKA: Um, and you said that was the air framer office?

FELTEN: Mm-hmm.

HALASKA: What's--what's that?

FELTEN: So, they do hydraulics and stuff --

HALASKA: Okay.

FELTEN: --um, on the planes. Uh, this squadron was an EA-6B squadron, so the Prowler is what they had. And, um, basically it's a jammi--

HALASKA: And you're talking about, um, the VAQ-139 sq-- squadron?

FELTEN: Yes, yes.

HALASKA: Okay, just making sure. Okay, and it was a--

FELTEN: So, it was a Prowler, an EA-6B. And, um, this--this type of aircraft was a jamming type of aircraft. So, um, a lot of times they go on night flights just 01:28:00to, like, practice and stuff and get qualled. And, um, I think at one point they ended up knocking out the power in Seattle [laughs] because somebody hit the wrong button. But that's kinda [Halaska laughs]--they--they jam equipment. So it's a really helpful, um, aircraft. And, um, they've retired it since then. But, uh, it--it was interesting looking. It's got--it's got two--like, a back seat and then a front seat and then a nose that goes out, um, almost like a refueling nose.

HALASKA: Mm, mm-hmm.

FELTEN: And so, um, what they do, the air framers, is they go on to the aircraft and they make sure to make sure--they make sure that everything is oiled and all the hydraulics are working well.

HALASKA: Okay.

FELTEN: Yeah.

HALASKA: Um, what were the different shops then in your squadron?

FELTEN: Oh my goodness. So, we have the air framers. We have the mechanics, um, the parachute riggers. Um, um, I'm tryin' to think of what they're called. They're called the AEs [Aviation Electrician's Mates], but I can't remember what that stands for. Um, gosh. But then we had, like, um, the tech guys who came out and, um, made sure the equipment inside was running well. Then we had the, um, line shack, which had the plane captains in it.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: Um, ups-- that was all downstairs in the hangar bay. And then upstairs we had the admin area. And off the admin office was the CO [Commanding Officer] and the XO [Executive Officer]'s office. And then, um, outside of that, they 01:30:00had, um, different communications. Um, all the officers were upstairs pretty much. I think you may have had a couple of officers downstairs, but for the most part they stayed upstairs. And that's where their offices were, though they still had a--a part to play in the aircraft. And then there was first lieutenant, which was my first job.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: And first lieutenant was basically janitorial.

HALASKA: Oh, okay. [laughter] First lieutenant.

FELTEN: It sounds so special, right? [laughter]

HALASKA: Uh, so, you were--you were assigned and then they told you you were gonna be first lieutenant, and then they just, like, handed you a--

FELTEN: [laughs] A broom and a dustpan [laughter] pretty much. No, they, um, put me through a lot of training on chemicals 'cause--

HALASKA: Oh, okay.

FELTEN: --I'm gonna mop and stuff.

HALASKA: Mm, mm-hmm.

FELTEN: And I'm just like seriously, okay. And, um, I was in that for quite some 01:31:00time. But I think it was because they liked me being in it. 'Cause eventually after showing that I would do my job and that I did it well and to a higher standard, my supervisor asked me if I wanted to go to third shift. He needed someone on third shift because somebody needs to wax the floors.

HALASKA: Mm.

FELTEN: And they can't wax them on first or second shift. And says that, um, "It's really needed because we're gonna be having some inspections coming." And so I said, "Sure, I guess I'll go to third shift. That sounds interesting, all by myself, right." [laughs]

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: And so, um, I went to third shift and I started waxing the floors. Now mind you, I probably had never seen wax before I started this. So, um, I didn't know how it was gonna be. But those floors looked pretty shiny, like they looked really wet. But they, um--I buffed them. I did it--I took care of them. And, like, when the officers came in and when other, like, chiefs came in, um, they 01:32:00were like, "These look really phenomenal and we really--got a really good grade on our, um, eval and stuff, inspection."

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: And, um, so then they said they were gonna give me two, um--two staff, and it turned out that those staff were more senior than me. So, it was a little odd that they put them under me 'cause I didn't--I didn't think that they could do that, but they did.

HALASKA: Yeah.

FELTEN: [laughs] So it--so, um, tha-- I had two staff that I supervised that were more senior than me. [laughter]

HALASKA: And that was on your third shift?

FELTEN: Yes, mm-hmm.

HALASKA: Okay, okay. Um, how did your, um--how did your staff feel about being under someone who was--

FELTEN: They griped. [laughter]

HALASKA: They griped? Okay.

FELTEN: No, they griped. And they're like, "Why--why are we under you? You're just an airman." And I'm like, "I don't know. I didn't give the assignment." [laughs]

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: I said, "But this needs to be done, so you can talk about it tomorrow."

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: And, um, that's kinda what happened that they didn't--it didn't go anywhere --

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: --'cause they liked--I think they liked how I did the--the floors. However, what they did is the two, um, new guys, they put them back on first shift.

HALASKA: Mm.

FELTEN: And so I just kept third shift by myself.

HALASKA: Okay. Um, how--how long were you on third shift then?

FELTEN: Mm, it was a few months I feel--

HALASKA: Okay.

FELTEN: Yeah. 'Cause then we went on--we went on deck to--I wanna say we went on either Fleet Week to San Francisco or, um, Fallon, Nevada. I can't remember which one came first. No, it was San Franciksco--San Francisco came first. 01:34:00[laughs] So, um, we actually, um--we actually boarded the, um, USS Abraham Lincoln. And that was my first time seeing it, but they told us we were working up to deployment. And, um, they--can I pause it?

HALASKA: Yeah, yes.

[break in audio]

HALASKA: All right. Uh, this is file two of the interview with Laura Felten on November 18, 2019. Okay, so, you were just, um, talking about Fleet Week in San Francisco.

FELTEN: Yes.

HALASKA: So, what is Fleet Week?

FELTEN: So, basically when you have an aircraft carrier or actually the whole fleet come in--

HALASKA: Mm.

FELTEN: --um, they dock in certain ports and San Francisco is a very big Fleet Week. And it's a celebration week 'cause they obviously are gonna be making money off the sailors. [laughs] And the sailors are gonna get to see something 01:35:00new. You know, let the journey begin. [laughs]

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: And so, um, the--when we go in, a lot of times--and I believe this was--it was still warm out, so I think it was dress whites at that time. All the sailors line around the very edge of the ship and they stand there while it comes in and welcomed by San Francisco. And it's--it's very nice 'cause you feel like they--they like the Navy being there, you know. 'Cause a lot of times people don't really like, you know, military being by them because, um, sometimes people can be a little bit loud in the military. [laughter] So, it was, like, a week of, uh, celebrating basically.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: And there were lots of, um--um, lots of formal things going on. But, uh, the trip to get there, um, it--first time on the ship, so, um, very interesting 01:36:00to [laughs]--berthing units are just a very interesting thing in themselves.

HALASKA: Berthing unit?

FELTEN: Mm, so berthing units are what they call the house--the housing quarters, um, on the ship.

HALASKA: Mm.

FELTEN: And the squadr-- I don't m-- I don't know if the ship had women on it per se 'cause there are people who work on the ship and they live on the ship.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: And there are squadrons, and the squadrons bring their staff to stay on the ship while they're attached to it while the ship is deployed or out of dock. And so, um, all the squadrons had women in them. And I feel like it was a newer time because they kinda didn't know what to do with us it seemed like. But they put all of us--all of the squadrons into one berthing unit, all of the women 'cause there weren't, I guess, a whole lot of us, though it seemed like a whole lot in that one unit.

HALASKA: Yeah.

FELTEN: And, um, the way the ship is made up, it's, like, bunks but it's three 01:37:00ha-- tall. So, and the person on the very bottom bunk is, like, um, five inches off the floor. [laughs] So, you're like, um, and then the person on top of them crawls in. But you have curtains to close and that's how you get your privacy.

HALASKA: Mm.

FELTEN: Um, they're var-- Velcro curtains. And all of your stuff goes underneath your bed. So, the bed lifts up and you put--

HALASKA: Mm.

FELTEN: --stuff into them, like your clothing and stuff. And so, um, when the ship is out at sea, you work twelve on, twelve off. And if you're on the flight deck, you're workin' more than twelve. You could be workin' up to eighteen hours a day. Um, but I was new. I got to go TAD [Temporary Additional Duty] [laughs].

HALASKA: What's TAD?

FELTEN: Um, it is basically, um, my squadron loaning me to the ship as a courtesy. Um, it--it's a temporary duty station basically, um, to the ship. And 01:38:00the ship can put me wherever they need people at. And it's usually not very nice jobs. [Halaska laughs] So, my job on the ship during that time was, um, in the galley. And, um, you know that person that does that click thing that counts the people as they come through the [laughter]--the chow line?

HALASKA: Yep.

FELTEN: That was me, [laughter] and that also included washing the tables down. [laughs] Not a very nice job. But, um, everyone has to do their--do their duty or whatever. So, that's--that was my time to do it. And people were like, "You shouldn't be gripin' because at least you're gettin' it done before you go on deployment. 'Cause when we go on deployment, if you're TAD you're there for a lot longer than just a few weeks." So, um, it was very interesting bein' in the galley. Um, and, uh, being on the ship period. Like, I really liked it where 01:39:00you'd walk through the hangar bay and the ship's rolling back and forth because it's not like somethin' that makes you sick. It's--it's more, like, calming 'cause every time you go down, you see water out the hangar--out the--um, uh, the elevator door. And every time you'd roll the other way, you see sky. And then there's air that comes off the ocean in through the, um, hangar bay. And it was just very, very nice experience because it was--it wasn't cold. It wasn't hot. It was kinda perfect. And all you hear is the water outside. And at night it's red, so everything is red 'cause they only use red lightbulbs.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: And so, um, I'd be walkin' through the hangar bay and, um, you're walki-- you have to adjust how you walk because you have to walk with the way 01:40:00the ship sways.

HALASKA: Mm.

FELTEN: And so you see people walkin' sideways and then the other sideways. Um, it was very neat. And then when we got into our, um, berthing unit, they put--there was a bathroom beside our berthing unit. And, um, the bathroom, you-- if you opened the door, you could see straight back to people in the showers. And unfortunately, this was another time where being a woman kinda was evident that it was different, um, because there'd be a group of men standing there watching to see if they could, you know, get a peek in the--in the bathroom. It was really disturbing.

HALASKA: Mm.

FELTEN: And people reported it and they gave us a curtain. Well, I guess they didn't really come up there and, like, assess the situation because there was a stairwell that came up that as soon as you got to the top of the stairwell, you're in the berthing unit, like, a few feet away. And so what that meant, that 01:41:00stairwell came off of the hangar bay area. And the air from the ocean would fly in and, like, that curtain really didn't matter. [laughs] So, it was very, um, very interesting seeing how many--how many people would be standing out there after you get off work just to watch. And it's like that's really pathetic that you're gonna stand out there and try to get a peek in a bathroom or of a woman coming out in her robe because she's gotta go to the bathroom or something. It's--it was interesting and it was different. And, i-- it just makes you have another sight of this is what it's like to be a woman in the military. [laughter] It wasn't--it wasn't, like--I mean, like, I don't think I could compare that to anything civilian because I've never seen anything like that before. [laughs]

HALASKA: Yeah, [laughs] that's somethin'.

FELTEN: Yeah.

HALASKA: Um, so, how--and this--this was becau-- okay. So, this was the USS Abraham Lincoln.

FELTEN: Yes.

HALASKA: And your squadron, um, was going to be attached to this ship, correct?

FELTEN: Yes.

HALASKA: Okay. And so, um, you guys were doing Fleet Week with them. How long was--so it says Fleet Week, but how long was it?

FELTEN: It's about two weeks--

HALASKA: Okay.

FELTEN: --'cause we had to get there and then get back.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: And they don't go very fast. I mean, i-- it--I don't know. I think they--I feel like they didn't go very fast. We were in sea for quite some time 'cause I felt like I was working quite a lot. [laughs]

HALASKA: Okay, so you guys, um--you--they docked in San Francisco.

FELTEN: Uh-huh.

HALASKA: And then they--you went?

FELTEN: So, when they dock, um, you--the--it changes then.

HALASKA: Okay.

FELTEN: So, you're on twenty-four, off twenty-four. So, when you dock, you can leave the boat--the ship for twenty-four hours.

HALASKA: Okay.

FELTEN: But then you have to be back for the next shift to leave. And literally, like, you'd see people takin' little taxi boats 'cause a big aircraft carrier can't dock into the--the regular docks, so you gotta be shuttled back and forth. So you'd see--you'd literally see people coming back and a line of people to leave. [laughs]

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: So, people kind of took advantage of their time off.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: And it was very nice to explore San Francisco. I'd never been to California before.

HALASKA: Yeah.

FELTEN: And San Francisco is a very, very nice city and beautiful.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: Yeah.

HALASKA: Um, what did you--um, I'm just gonna go back. Just I wanna get a clear, um, kind of idea of what your duty was during Fleet Week. So, was the ship docked the entire time or --? Okay.

FELTEN: Mm-hmm.

HALASKA: That--I wasn't sure if you said you went out somewhere on it or --

FELTEN: No, um--

HALASKA: No? Okay.

FELTEN: When we're coming in to dock--

HALASKA: Yeah.

FELTEN: --the presentation of the ship is that all the sol-- all the--

HALASKA: Yeah.

FELTEN: --sailors are around the edge.

HALASKA: Okay.

FELTEN: And that kinda--when--because I believe people, um, in San Francisco were told when we're gonna be there.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: And, um, they--they become present. They come there and they wanna see it. And I think I would wanna see that too if I lived there just to see th-- the--these big ships come in and--

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: --see how many Navy people are on it. [laughs] And so it was, um--there were a lot of people there. And, um, it was interesting to see the atmosphere.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm. Um, was it your entire squadron that came out to this event as well?

FELTEN: Yeah, the--

HALASKA: Yeah?

FELTEN: I mean, I think we may have left a couple people behind.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: Um, but for the most part everyone was supposed to be there.

HALASKA: Wow.

FELTEN: Yeah.

HALASKA: Okay, cool.

FELTEN: Mm-hmm.

HALASKA: Um, what did you, um, see in San Francisco that you thought was cool and interesting?

FELTEN: Rice-A-Roni parts [laughter] [inaudible]. I really thought--like, I 01:45:00wanted to see that 'cause they always had the commercials Rice-A-Roni. And so, um, took--we took those. And, uh, went--I mean, it's very neat seein' all the hills 'cause it's really, like, what it's--it shows on TV. And, uh, went to the Golden Gate Bridge, walked across the Golden Gate Bridge. Um, didn't get to Alcatraz, wanted to get to Alcatraz. Some friends were upset that we didn't get to Alcatraz, but that's a different story. [laughter] And then, um, we went to the zoo there. That was very nice.

HALASKA: Mm, mm-hmm.

FELTEN: 'Cause there wasn't a whole lot of--a whole lot of the atmosphere that was down by the ship at the zoo.

HALASKA: What do you mean?

FELTEN: Um, wh-- in the atmosphere--now, I've only been to that one Fleet Week. But I've been told about others. And maybe I was--maybe it's wrong or whatever, but, um, what I'm told is that a lot of times when the ships roll in, um, there's a lot of widows--

HALASKA: Mm.

FELTEN: --and people who are tem-- temporarily separated or, um, um, 01:46:00prostitution, a lot of that going on.

HALASKA: Oh, okay.

FELTEN: Yeah. [laughter] I don't know how else to word it.

HALASKA: Okay. So, going out beyond that--

FELTEN: Yes.

HALASKA: --to maybe some more wholesome entertainment. [laughter] Um, um, is there anything else about Fleet Week that you wanted to--or that--that one, that Fleet Week that you wanted to talk about, um, any other experiences or --?

FELTEN: I just thought it was really cool.

HALASKA: Yeah.

FELTEN: Like, I can't even remember the time that I had to be in on the ship. But I remember my time off the ship for sure, just exploring the city. It was very nice to have that freedom and to, um, be able to just go and, like, see things that none of my family has seen. And be able to take pictures and kinda show 'em and bring 'em back and stuff. And--

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: Yeah, it was nice. I--I--I enjoyed it. And actually I--I was told that a tradition was that you-- you know, you would go get a bundle of flowers and drop it off the Golden Gate Bridge. I don't know if that was just, like, somebody tellin' me that just to see if I'd do it, but I did it. [laughs] So there was--that was neat.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm. Well, cool. Um, what--okay, so you did Fleet Week and then just went back to--to the base?

FELTEN: Uh, to Everett, Washington. That's where the--

HALASKA: Everett, Washington.

FELTEN: --USS Abraham Lincoln is docked.

HALASKA: Oh, okay.

FELTEN: Mm-hmm.

HALASKA: Okay. Um, and what--what happened there?

FELTEN: So then we debark, um, from the ship and everyone goes back their way. Now, there--the squadron knows that certain people don't have cars, so they would anticipate that--to help people, um, double-up with people who did have cars --

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: --just to get people there and back. So that was nice--

HALASKA: Yeah.

FELTEN: --that they didn't leave anyone behind. Um, but, like, a lot of times we 01:48:00got back and it was kinda similar to gettin' to the, um, Fleet Week because you'd have all the wives there. It--it--maybe a couple husbands but mostly wives waiting for their husbands to come back. And, um, they'd be very happy. And so then when you got off, like, a--it would be like a cluster of lots and lots of people and people hugging and kissing and stuff. It was kinda like--you know the, uh--the painting or the picture of that, um, nurse in the Navy, gentleman i-- in New York Times Square.

HALASKA: Mm, mm-hmm.

FELTEN: It's like that. Like, where there's a lot of people there and you're trying to get through but you can't and people are excited just to be back. And other people are excited for you to be back.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm. Um, okay. So then you--you got back to, um--you said you 01:49:00went--I'm sorry. Where did you go next?

FELTEN: So then, um, we went back to the base.

HALASKA: Yeah.

FELTEN: And then later we went to Fallon, Nevada.

HALASKA: Mm.

FELTEN: And Fallon, Nevada was without the ship 'cause obviously Nevada's not got [Halaska laughs] ocean. [laughs] Um, so basically this was a base where, um, our officers who were pilots could get their quals.

HALASKA: Okay.

FELTEN: And, like, n-- night flying and stuff 'cause a lot of them were newer officers at that time. Um, or whenever I got there they were newer. And so we went there and we worked twenty-four on, twenty-four off there. Um, that was the first time that I kinda got pulled into the plane captain piece.

HALASKA: Okay.

FELTEN: And I liked it because I felt like I was doing more than waxing the floors. [laughs] Um, but, you know, you can see someone doing something--doing a 01:50:00job and you're like I can do that. But it's not that easy. [laughs] It's always not that easy. So, um, the plane captain--I had already observed one of our individuals doing the work and I had watched her do it. And, um, she did it super fast. Li-- it's a lot of, um--um, a lot of signals, hand signals, that you have to give because they can't hear you. You can't hear them. And they're just watching you from the seat, like, seeing wha-- what you're saying with your hands and then doing it. Like, raising a flap or, um, uh, um, checking the brakes or whatever. So, um, it's very easy to forget what signals you need to do and in what order. [laughs] And so, um, I was told that they were gonna put me out there to do that when we got back, so I needed to pay attention this time. 01:51:00And I needed to be out there and I needed to be like a sidekick. So, a lot of that ended up being, um, checking the oil, washing it, uh, fueling it, um, making sure all the pins are in, walking it. It--and then moving it--

HALASKA: Mm.

FELTEN: --um, if it needed to be, like, backed into somewhere or moved into a hangar for the night if it was gonna be raining or whatever. Um, we did all that.

HALASKA: Okay.

FELTEN: So, it was learning that. And then learning the hand gestures that--the motions that go along with it. And so they had a manual and I was looking through it as I was watching, um, my mentor, I will call her, um, do her little han-- hand signals and see how she was doing things. And it seemed to be very, like, on par. And so, um, they kept tellin' me throughout the whole time there, 01:52:00"You're gonna do--you're gonna do one. You're gonna do one." And I'm like, "I can't do this. [laughs] Th-- I cannot remember all those signals. I cannot. I cannot do that." And so then, um, they told me that they did not care. [laughter] And so it's just like let's throw the person who can't swim in the water kinda thing.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: Um, and so the--they had me do a--a practice one.

HALASKA: Yeah.

FELTEN: And I remember everyone--it must've been raining that night or something. But everyone's in the shop and we're all just sitting there kinda talking crap and, um, having fun. And then they're jus-- they said, "We wanna see Reeves [??]," 'cause my maiden name was Reeves and that's what I was then. Um, "We wanna see Reeves out there [laughs] givin' the--do it for us." And I was like, "No, I don't have a captain. [laughter] I don't have a pilot." So then they--they made it--they made the area look like there was four crewmen. And 01:53:00they're just like, "Okay, now you gotta do it." [laughs] So, I--I'm, like, a shy person, right. And all these people in the shop I--I swear there must've been, like, sixteen, seventeen, maybe eighteen people in that shop that were just talking crap before. And now they wanna see me do this. So, I'm, like, going through and I--I lose track and I mix them up. And they're laughing and then I'm like this is not helping me. And they said, "Yeah, you'll remember us laughing when you get it wrong next time too." [laughter] So, they were not very helpful.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: But, um, I felt supported. [laughs] So they, um--that was that. And then when we got back to, um, Whidbey Island, I did my first one. And it was--the pilots were okay. Like, I--they're officers so you think that they're gonna jump 01:54:00down your throat if you do something wrong, right. And that was not--that was not the case. They knew that I was practicing. And they told me, "You did good." [laughter] Like, when they got back they're like, "You did good that time. Good job Reeves." [laughter] And I'm just like, "I feel like I'm in elementary school. But, like, were you guys told to say that to me? Because I feel like I shouldn't be told that." [laughter] So, it was nice.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: And I got used to it and I liked it all besides washing the plane. I did not like washing the plane.

HALASKA: Okay, so after you got back from that, um--from Fallon, Nevada--

FELTEN: Mm-hmm.

HALASKA: --then you were doing the plane captain job.

FELTEN: Mm-hmm.

HALASKA: Okay. Yeah, so tell me--tell me about that. So you said washing the plane you didn't like that. What's --?

FELTEN: No, 'cause it's cold out and you gotta take the plane--you gotta take it down to this certain area on the airstrip. And, um, the water is really cold and you're, like, in your, um--your flight gear so that, um, um--so that you're warm 01:55:00enough. But it-- your hands are all wet and you're getting wet from the water and stuff. I did not--I didn't like it because it was just one of those types of things where, um, uh, it was really cold and I didn't like that. [laughter] I don't know how else to explain it. It was just me and coldness. [laughter]

HALASKA: Um, what was it like to--so, you--you drove the plane--

FELTEN: Uh--

HALASKA: --to--from place to place?

FELTEN: No, no, no.

HALASKA: No? Okay. I--

FELTEN: We have these little--[laughter]

HALASKA: You said you moved the plane, I was like wait.

FELTEN: There's these little, um--so, if you've been to an airport--

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: --and you're looking out to the air-- the flight line, you see these little white carts come.

HALASKA: Oh, okay.

FELTEN: And they taxi the plane out. That's what we did.

HALASKA: Oh, okay.

FELTEN: We taxied them, yeah. [laughter]

HALASKA: Okay, so you taxied the plane.

FELTEN: I did not drive a plane.

HALASKA: Okay. Um, thank you for clearing that up for me.

FELTEN: You're welcome.

HALASKA: Um, so--okay. So, your tasks as, um--for that job was cleaning the plane. It was taxiing the plane. Um, it was doing the checks with the pilots. And th-- was that before and after, um every flight?

FELTEN: Yep. It was launching them off and it was --

HALASKA: Okay.

FELTEN: --recovering them. So, you--you'd hear, uh, the radio say that they're coming in.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: And you knew, like, they'd be there so you had to get out to the right place on the flight line. So you hurry out there and you just wait 'cause sometimes they're held up by something but a lot of times they just came, right. And then you have to stop them and you have to go and check the brakes because there's something called hot brakes. And if they have hot brakes, well, it could--a tire could explode. So they wanna make sure that there's no hot brakes. And, um, you check that, and you give 'em thumbs up that it's okay to go. And then they go and, um, park it where, um--on our flight line.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: And then we--we'd chalk it and then we always changed the oil, um, and then we refueled immediately. And it was interesting because I don't even know how to change my own car's fuel and I never have. [Halaska laughs] Or I'm sorry, not fuel, oil. But I know how to change that oil.

HALASKA: Yeah.

FELTEN: And it was just really weird 'cause it's like, okay, I can tell you that that's used oil and that's not. [laughs] But I can't tell you that for my own car.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: And then, um, fueling, I kinda liked fueling it 'cause, um, it's not just, like, a regular, um, hammer that you put into a car for fueling. It's, like, a m-- a mechanism that you twist in and it snaps in. And then you turn on the fuel and it starts moving into it. Well, the first time that I did that, nobody told me to--what to expect after that. So, I'm standing there and all of a sudden the plane starts jumping, just bouncing. Every once in a while it'd bounce.

HALASKA: Hmm.

FELTEN: I'm like what is going on, did I do something wrong? And apparently that's what the plane does when it's fueling and it always does that. So, it's kinda scary to see it the first time 'cause you're just like is this flight line, uh, like, haunted or something. [laughter] But it was, um--it was very neat and very interesting. And, um, I liked it besides the--the washing of it. [laughs]

HALASKA: Mm-hmm. The coldness.

FELTEN: Yes.

HALASKA: Um, what--what was, um--so you are the first person that I've interviewed, um, who served at, um, NAS Whid-- how do you say it? I'm sorry.

FELTEN: Whidbey.

HALASKA: Whidbey, there we go.

FELTEN: Mm-hmm.

HALASKA: NAS Whidbey. Um, can you tell me a little bit, um, more about that base and kind of what living conditions were like and, um--um, yeah, just tell me a little bit about it.

FELTEN: Okay. Well, it seemed to always be cloudy, um, 'cause Washington. But it 01:59:00was beautiful. Now, I've told you I don't like the cold, but I--that was tolerable because it's not too cold in the winter and it's not too hot in the summer. So, yo-- you know, you've--you just get a happy medium there.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: And, um, if you want snow you go camping up on Mount Baker or something like that. Um, otherwise, like, the island itself is beautiful. And when you did get sun, um, it was even more pretty. Um, lots of very big trees, thick trees. We went hiking a lot, um, and camping a lot, uh, because it was just so beautiful, lots of nature. Um, I--I don't even know how else to explain it but just about anywhere you went on that island, you could see water. And it was just, um, a beautiful place. The base itself, um, when you came on, it wa-- there was another aircraft. Um, I think it was a VQ [Fleet Air Reconnaissance] 02:00:00Squadron's aircraft there. And, um, they had it on display. And then a little bit further down, they had a Pro-- um, Prowler on display. And so basically, um, you got to see what planes they have in that base. And as you go down the main road to the base, uh, there--on your righthand side there would be, um, hangar bays, lots and lots of hangar bays. And, um, a full hangar bay would constitute two squadrons. So, each squadron takes half. And they have the equal amount of space in both halves for offices as well. So, um, there was that. And then let's see. We had, um--the barracks were all kind of, like, in a line. So you'd ha-- we were in barracks number three, so, um, we were the third barracks in. It was 02:01:00easy like that.

HALASKA: Yeah.

FELTEN: And then the PX [Post Exchange] was very close to--

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: --to the barracks as well because they figured people living on base would maybe need some snacks or something. There was also a n-- noodle bowl place that you could get food from or--and a McDonald's on base. Um, and I think that was it. Uh, otherwise, like, there was a very nice gym with very nice, um, racquetball facility. Um, some tracks and a base hospital that we had there.

HALASKA: Mm.

FELTEN: Base hospital was set back a little bit. So, if you were a person walking, you had to walk some ways for that. Um, and then they had the, um, MWR [Morale, Welfare, and Recreation] and I guess it was, like, a nightclub too there. And then they had a officers' quarters, which was kinda like a nightclub too.

HALASKA: Mm, mm-hmm.

FELTEN: Um, I remember the Christmas of '98. No, '99, Christmas in '99. Um, the 02:02:00squadron had a p-- a Christmas party. And so basically it was everyone came together, officers and enlisted, and we went to the officers' quarters. Um, and they had a big ballroom and our squadron rented it out. And, um, that was the first time that you s-- really could see people outside of their uniform. Otherwise, people will have, like, h-- hair or something. [laughter] No makeup and stuff. So, um, that was very nice 'cause it was I--when I first heard of it, I was like, well, what do you wear to it. Like, do I just wear, like, slacks or whatever? And I was told by the--the women in the squadron, "No, this is a ball, so you need to wear a--an evening gown." And so, um, I went out and went shopping on--off base, um, and got a dress. And I thought I may have been overdressed 'cause I was kinda concerned. But when I got there, I'm like, no, I 02:03:00guess I'm just dressed just okay. So, um, it was very interesting seeing the officers out of their uniforms and seeing their wives or their chil-- no, they didn't have children. I'm sorry. They didn't have their children there [laughs] 'cause there was drinking.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: Um, and then, like, knowing that we all were together and it's like they supported that because I--I had always thought that officers are in one place and the enlisted are in another. But they kinda, um--they were good to us. And, um, they gave us time off after we got back from, like, s-- um, to Fleet Week. We got an extra day off.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: I mean, they--they did stuff like that. And, um, so for the Christmas party, it was interesting. They--they, uh, brought in a bunch of booze and stuff. [laughter] I felt like that's what we did a lot of times.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: But that--so that's about the just of the, uh, base. But right outside 02:04:00of the base, and I mean, like, almost right outside the gate, there was enlisted housing.

HALASKA: Okay.

FELTEN: And then to the other side of that, there was officer housing. So you could really see the difference in what--like, what one would get versus the other--

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: --who's living in base housing.

HALASKA: Um, was there civilian housing on the island too?

FELTEN: Yeah, it was nowhere near the base though.

HALASKA: Oh, okay, okay. Um, was--so you said you guys went hiking and everything like that. Um, was going off post, like there was--was there a lot around or would you kind of have to travel a little bit to --?

FELTEN: You'd have to travel.

HALASKA: Okay.

FELTEN: Like, the city Whidbey Islan-- or not--Oak Harbor is the city that was the closest.

HALASKA: Mm.

FELTEN: And Oak Harbor was probably about five miles out. And it was just a little harbor town.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: I mean, um, it probably wouldn't be even the size of, um, one of the 02:05:00towns up in Door County. It was very tiny, um, but quaint.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: A little fishing town and stuff.

HALASKA: Okay.

FELTEN: So, um, but they--what's funny though is that they had that, they had base. And then five miles off they have this city. And then on the other side of the city they had, um--the MWR's hotel, which was trailers or whatever. So, like, when you had family come visit, they could go there. [Halaska laughs] And they would have to travel to come see you if you lived on base. [laughs]

HALASKA: Okay. Um, did your family ever come out and visit you while you were there?

FELTEN: They came once, only my mom and my stepdad. Nobody else went out there. But, um, they came once. And, um, it was very interesting showing them around because by that time I had already gotten used to the island and knew where things were. And, um, it was nice being able to show them the area that was very 02:06:00beautiful to me. Like, if I had the chance to go, I'd move back there again. That's how beautiful it was. And the memories that I have related to that area, um, a lot of them are good. So, um, I--it would be nice to be back in that area again.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm. Um, what were a few of the kinda special things that you showed your mom and your stepdad while you were out there [inaudible]?

FELTEN: Deception Pass of course. [laughter] No, I'm just joking. I did show them that, but, um, they had to see it to be able to come on the base. Um, there was a--I don't even know, um, what--if it was a mountain or whatever. I don't know the name of it. But there was this little place that we went up to. Um, and it was, like, a little mountain range where you could look out and you could see, like, 360 almost. Um, and the view was nothing but water with islands, little islands that are not inhabited. And it was beautiful especially at 02:07:00sunset, so we'd go there [talking in background]. And that was one of the places that I took my parents. And then, um, another place was, uh, um, we went to one of the beaches. [door closing] And on the beach it had a lot of driftwood on it. So the driftwood was very dry and that's what people usually made bonfires out of. But it was very nice sho-- getting down there and showing them that area as well.

HALASKA: Okay. Um, is there, um--so you said the relationship between, um, kind of your enlisted and your pilots and your officers was very good.

FELTEN: Yeah, mm-hmm.

HALASKA: Yeah. Um, and then the rel-- and you've described a little bit of your relationship with, um, a lot of the people in your squadron. So, was it--um, and it sounds like it was pretty good, like everyone was kind of--they had fun.

FELTEN: Mm-hmm. They did.

HALASKA: They did. [laughter]

FELTEN: A little too much, [laughter] but they had fun, yeah. And, uh, [laughs] just the base housing was ridiculous. [laughter] And I'm sorry, not base housing. But barracks life was ridiculous 'cause there were parties all the time.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: Um, and you would hear it if it was on the second floor 'cause, like I said, I was on the third floor. And you'd hear, like, the music and you just knew, like, I'm not going down there 'cause, uh, MPs [Military Police] are gonna be comin' soon [laughs] 'cause there was a tendency for people to call the police too.

HALASKA: Mm, mm-hmm.

FELTEN: Um, so, plus lots of underage drinking.

HALASKA: Mm, mm-hmm.

FELTEN: So, a lot of times, like, um, the military who were underage--and I--I guarantee you at least a good percentage of my squadron were underage. Everyone would go drinking up in Canada because Canada's age was eighteen. And so [laughs] they--you'd get in and you don't even have to have a passport 'cause you got your military ID.

HALASKA: Mm.

FELTEN: And get through and go drinking in Vancouver. [laughter] That was, um--that was a lot of the life.

HALASKA: Okay. Did you ever go up to Vancouver?

FELTEN: Yes.

HALASKA: Yeah. [laughter]

FELTEN: Yes.

HALASKA: Are there any good times that you wanna discuss?

FELTEN: Um, I just thought it was interesting 'cause they had--it--it was a--it was a party area that we went to. So, you got a lot of, like, panhandlers down there.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: And there was--I swear, at bar time usually, there were a lot of panhandlers out there. And it was just funny seeing that there was one out there with a cat. [laughs] Like, usually they have a dog or--or something else, but this--this guy had a cat on a leash. So, um, they were asking for money and we told them, um, "If you--if you want, we'll treat you to a meal. Come with us and we'll go--go to a restaurant and we'll eat dinner," or something or early 02:10:00breakfast, whatever you wanna call it. And, um, they'd never take us up on it. So it's like you know that the-- they're panhandling for something else. [laughs]

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: So, um, that--that's kind of what I remember of that, and then the party scene.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: Um, it was just a very beautiful area too. Like, I think, um, they got tired of the military coming up there because a lot of people knew that you could get up there. And my understanding shortly after I was discharged and when I left that area, um, that they stopped allowing s-- [laughs] naval personnel to get in with their, um, government, um, ID cards.

HALASKA: Oh, okay. [laughter]

FELTEN: And no more drinking with your government ID cards.

HALASKA: Oh, okay.

FELTEN: So--

HALASKA: Um, so with your time as, um--as the plane captain, what was a typical day like?

FELTEN: Um, you go to work at six, um, get off at two. So, the--the--the outcome was very pleasant I think.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: Um, so, you get to work. There da-- there would be flights--so many flights scheduled for the day, um, if there were flights. Sometimes the planes were down.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: Um, so then they'd need work, engine work or whatever. But they always tried to have at least one up always. Um, and then, um, basically go check in at the, um--the line shack. And be in there kinda hangin' out or whatever until they start with the flights.

HALASKA: Okay.

FELTEN: And then when they start the flights, you have to be out there before the officers get out there. So, um, you'd be standing on the flight line jumpin' around 'cause it's cold. Um, before any flights start though, you have to do the 02:12:00FOD [Foreign, Object, or Debris] walk-down. S--

HALASKA: The what?

FELTEN: The FOD, F-O-D, FOD walk-down. So, that's Foreign Object or Debris. And you'd have to make sure that there's no foreign objects, no rocks or anything that can get in the engines. Otherwise, like, the plane could crash. So, um, we had a bucket, and anytime we saw any kind of debris laying on the ground we'd pick it up. Um, even without having the FOD walk-down, like, later throughout the day, if you saw a rock or whatever you'd pick it up and put it in the bucket.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: Um, 'cause at--for safety. Um, so then basically launch an aircraft, recovering.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: And then lunchtime, going to the chow hall. Um, the chow hall was really nice. Like, that--um, our barracks manager was, uh, the--he was a chef at the chow hall. So when I came in, he--he'd always be like, "No, no. I got Laura." And he would--I mean, like, their food was phenomenal. It was not like--like, I 02:13:00can't even explain it. Like, the ship food, it was not like that. [Halaska laughs] It was--[laughs] it was really nice food. Um, so, yeah. Uh, and then after lunch, you'd come back and do it over again until two o'clock.

HALASKA: All right.

FELTEN: Yeah.

HALASKA: Um, how many planes did your squadron have? How many--and it was all Prowlers, right?

FELTEN: Yes, it was.

HALASKA: Okay.

FELTEN: I wanna say there were two --

HALASKA: Okay.

FELTEN: --or three. I think it was two though.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm, okay. And about how m-- do you know about how many people were in your squadron that supported those?

FELTEN: Um.

HALASKA: It's okay if you don't.

FELTEN: Maybe a couple hundred maybe.

HALASKA: Okay.

FELTEN: It may have been more like 150.

HALASKA: Okay. Um, and you said that your, um--your unit was--I mean, they--they went out and did--you guys went out and did the training in Nevada and some other stuff. Um, your squadron was preparing to leave and go somewhere?

FELTEN: Yeah --

HALASKA: Okay.

FELTEN: --the squadron was meant to deploy. They were gonna be leaving on, uh, deployment October 2000 was when they were leaving.

HALASKA: Okay.

FELTEN: And, um, I did not make that, uh, deployment because I, um, was discharged at that time.

HALASKA: Okay.

FELTEN: So, um, but they were supposed to be working up to it and really getting rigorously trained and--

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: --um, qualified so that when they were on deployment--

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: --um, they would do what they needed to do. And my understanding is that when they were on that deployment, um, September eleventh happened.

HALASKA: Mm.

FELTEN: And they--that was the ship that was called up to go to the Gulf and be in the Gulf. And they were there for over a year is my understanding.

HALASKA: Oh, wow, okay.

FELTEN: Yeah, mm-hmm.

HALASKA: Um, did you, um--just during--during that time, did you stay in contact with the people that were in your squadron, um, after you got out?

FELTEN: Um, stayed in contact with a couple of people.

HALASKA: Okay.

FELTEN: Um, some really good friends, um, we stayed in contact with. I don't know that I have their contact now--

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: --'cause it's just been so long and they've moved. And I know they're in Okinawa, Japan right now.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: I just don't know what their contact information is. And I'm pretty sure I had 'em on Facebook, but, um, I'm not sure if they're very active on Facebook.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: So, yeah. But, uh, we did keep track of them because after he left the base there, he decided to take a transfer to the base in North Chicago.

HALASKA: Okay.

FELTEN: And so they--they came and we were together again. And we actually, um, have, uh, children that are two weeks apart. [laughs]

HALASKA: Okay.

FELTEN: So, um, I--she--his wife, um, she's from Okinawa.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: She wanted me to be there for the birth of their son.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: So, I did get to be there. And, um, it was very nice that we continued that friendship over those years.

HALASKA: Yeah, yeah that's really great. Um, is there--um, are there any other, um, stories or memorable people or, um, things that you wanna talk about, um, about your time, um, at that base and with that squadron VAQ-139?

FELTEN: Um, I will say that, um, the--so, um, when I was on deployment--or not--when--when we were in Fallon, Nevada--

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: --um, I became pregnant.

HALASKA: Okay.

FELTEN: And I ended up being sent to base command. So, they sent me to the calibration lab there. And the calibration lab basically does all the fixing and 02:17:00ordering of, um, technical equipment in the aircraft. So, um, I went and I ended up being in the storeroom. And I was a s-- storeroom supply clerk. Um, basically ordering parts, um, from across the nation, different areas that sell parts from--for aircraft. And then, um, doing requisitions and, uh, getting parts for the aircrafts. I thought it was very nice. I was--I was the only woman in that area. And so I had, um, a lo-- a lot of the guys were very helpful. Um, and it was different than the squadron life because they all kind of kept to themselves and, like, just did their techie work [laughs] that they were doing. Um, but, uh, it--that was nice. I liked the job. I liked--I had a whole storeroom that I 02:18:00got to rearrange. 'Cause I was bored so I rearranged it and reorganized. And we got parts ordered for aircraft that was on backlog for ten years. It--it was--I'm just like how can you have it in here for ten years and not have a part for it. But it had been on backlog and somebody forgot that it was there. So, we ended up, um, order-- like, trying to get it ordered from some company, and was able to get it ordered and get the part together. So, I felt very accomplished when I got one of those really old parts ordered.

HALASKA: Yeah.

FELTEN: And there were a ton of them when I got there, [Halaska laughs] a whole storeroom. So, yeah. But that was an interesting job I thought.

HALASKA: Yeah.

FELTEN: I liked the job.

HALASKA: Well, good. Yeah, that sounds rewarding to get something that's been waiting there for that long.

FELTEN: Yes.

HALASKA: Oh, excellent. Um, okay. So, you got out in--um, I don't wanna skip 02:19:00ahead, um, if there's anything else that you wanted to cover again. Um, if--um, you wanna talk any more about, um, like, your friends in the squadron or --?

FELTEN: I will say that, um, I met my husband there.

HALASKA: Okay.

FELTEN: So I was married, um, on one of the beaches there. We kind of eloped and, uh, got married, um, in July of 2000.

HALASKA: Okay.

FELTEN: And, um, here we are all those years later. [laughs]

HALASKA: Well, congratulations. That's--

FELTEN: Thank you.

HALASKA: --wonderful. Um, how did you--how did you two meet?

FELTEN: Um, we met, um, on base basically. Um, like, you meet a lot of people on base. I actually met some people that I had seen in boot camp on base, which I had forgotten their names [laughs] but they remembered me, so. Um, but, uh, we met on base. Um, actually, um, I was leaving the barracks and he was walking to 02:20:00a different area. So, um, it's not something that I thought was gonna happen. But we ended up being friends and then ended up more than friends, so.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: Yeah, camping and stuff, doing a lot of camping together.

HALASKA: Okay. Um, what did your--what'd your parents think about you --?

FELTEN: Eloping?

HALASKA: Eloping. [laughter]

FELTEN: Um, they were not happy [laughter] to say the least. They were not happy at all. Um, I remember, like, my mom being very upset about that. Um, [laughter] and I'm just like, "Mom, it's not like we went to Las Vegas. Like, [laughs] we went on a beach."

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: Yeah, so. Um, but it's--it is what it is, and obviously --

HALASKA: Yep.

FELTEN: --we're still together. [laughs]

HALASKA: That's wonderful. Um, so you got out in, um, December of 2000. Um, and then what--did your husband stay in?

FELTEN: My husband had already done his time.

HALASKA: He'd--oh, okay.

FELTEN: So he got out, like, Sept-- August or S-- no, I think it was August.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: So, yeah.

HALASKA: Okay.

FELTEN: He waited for me. [laughs]

HALASKA: Okay, um, and then where--where did you guys go after that?

FELTEN: So, we were trying to figure out where the jobs were when we were getting out 'cause we ha-- kinda had, like, a knowledge of what days we were gonna be leaving. And, um, it was either Alabama or Chicago where his family is from. Um, and we thought we don't wanna raise a family in Chicago. And Alabama, hmm, not very many jobs there. So he had some friends and he had lived in Appleton before.

HALASKA: Okay.

FELTEN: And, um, we knew there were state jobs, like, civil service type jobs. 02:22:00So, um, we actually drove straight through, thirty-two hours, taking turns sleeping opposite times --

HALASKA: Wow.

FELTEN: --just so we could get here for a civil service exam on [laughs] Saturday. And we left on Wednesday and we got here Friday night. And we slept and we went and took the civil service exam. And, um, we got jobs from that, [laughs] so it was worth it.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: And I'll say, like, we had a lotta fun. We explored a lot there. And, um, we went--like, I have no idea about Washington, never been there besides just that little island that I lived on. And we decided to travel, like, halfway through the state. So, um, I had bought a little Ford Escort Pony off of a guy who was, um, transitioning to Okinaw-- or not Okinawa, to Hawaii. And, um, he couldn't take the car. It'd be--it'd cost more than the car was worth. So, um, 02:23:00he sold it to me for 500 dollars. So it was my first car and I was very happy [laughter]. And just a little beater car but, um, it worked and it brought us over here from there. Um, but we, uh--we took that car and went to this little city called Wenatchee, Washington. They have, like, apple orchards there. And they were havin' some kind of celebration, so we went there and we had fun. And then on the way home, we were just kinda cruisin', not really going fast or any-- any kind of time limit or whatever. And then, um, w-- [laughs] back then you did not have GPS [Global Positioning System]. You had a, uh, map. [laughter] So, I'm, like, the navigator. And I'm tryin' to find us a way--like, a way to cross over so we're not takin' the same way back. So, I find a way and we took it and didn't see any cars for a long time. And I'm thinkin' maybe this is just 02:24:00not a very well-traveled road, I don't know. Um, turns out that it was a elk preserve. And our little car made it all the way to the top of the elk reserve 'cause it turned into a dirt road at one point. And, [laughs] when we got to the top, all these guys in these big trucks or whatever honkin' and sayin', "Yeah, man, you made it up here in a little Pony Escort." [laughter] And, I mean, you could smell brakes. I mean, you could smell the rubber and stuff. [laughs]

HALASKA: Mm, mm-hmm.

FELTEN: From, like, pressing the brakes. And so then I don't--it did not say elk reserve on the map. [laughs] But that's a story that we now tell and it's not gonna be lived down. [laughter] If only we had GPS back then. [laughs]

HALASKA: Miss out on that fun story though.

FELTEN: Exactly, right. [laughter]

HALASKA: Did you see any elk?

FELTEN: We did not. [laughter] I wish.

HALASKA: So, did you make it through the reserve to wherever it was that you were going or did you have to go back?

FELTEN: No, we made it through.

HALASKA: Oh, okay. [laughter]

FELTEN: And then, like, we ended up going back home. But I--I couldn't even tell you the rest of that story just because the whole part of the elk reserve and getting up to the top, [laughs] that was the story and that's what I remember. [laughter]

HALASKA: Mm-hmm. Um, okay. So, after--after your road trip back--

FELTEN: Mm-hmm.

HALASKA: --um, you--you got to Appleton. And you guys started working in civil service, right?

FELTEN: Mm-hmm.

HALASKA: Um, what--what kind of jobs did--did you two get?

FELTEN: Can I mention the places?

HALASKA: Oh, yes. Yes, please.

FELTEN: Okay. [laughs]

HALASKA: Sorry.

FELTEN: Um, I--we got jobs at Winnebago Mental Health Institute.

HALASKA: Oh, okay.

FELTEN: Yeah.

HALASKA: Yeah.

FELTEN: And so, um, we were residential care technicians there.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: Um, and I remember--'cause the pay that we had in the military was so bad. Um, I thought to myself, oh my goodness, this ten--ten dollars and ten 02:26:00cents an hour is gonna be awesome [laughs] 'cause that's what it wa-- that's what the job paid.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: But, um, it was a--I don't know. It was just an adventure. And, um, liked doing what we did and, um, liked comin' back here. And it was different, like, this is much colder even than Iowa sometimes. [laughs] I think I've kinda grown used to it though. I--I, uh, kid my husband and tell him that, uh, I think I'm becoming a Viking slowly, like, just because you gotta get that kinda skin [laughs] to live up here.

HALASKA: Absolutely. Um, so you worked at the Winnebago Mental Health. And, um, what--what are you doin' now?

FELTEN: So now I work at the US Department of Veteran Affairs.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: Um, I do the prison outreach and I also have a veteran treatment court 02:27:00that I, um, am the clinical coordinator for.

HALASKA: Okay. Um, can you tell me a little bit more about that work?

FELTEN: So, um, basically I have twenty prisons that I go out to in, um, Wisconsin and Upper Peninsula Michigan.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: And, um, I work with veterans who are coming out of incarceration and, uh, anyone who is within their last year of incarceration. That's who I work with. Um, and I really enjoy that. I also, um, go in when they're first coming in. Like, when they're in their first couple of months of being, um, admitted to DOC [Department of Corrections]. Um, and, like, let them know what they need to do so they don't get overpayments of benefits and stuff while they're there because the benefit--monetary benefits change when you're incarcerated.

HALASKA: Mm.

FELTEN: So, I give them all that information. And I do presentations to staff just to get them educated. Um, we've also created, um--well, we have a committee called the Incarcerated, uh, Veteran Committee. And, um, basically somebody from WDVA [Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs], from, uh, Department of Workforce Development, and, uh, Department of Corrections and Community Corrections sit in on it.

HALASKA: Okay.

FELTEN: And basically we all work together to make it more efficient for the veterans who get out of incarceration and where they go if they're going to this state or another state I help them. And just give them benefits that are in the area that they're going to. And then also get them connected back to their benefits if they had some benefits before they were incarcerated. Um, and then as far as the veteran treatment court that I ha-- that I work with, um, I basically work with veterans who are going through the court system and have 02:29:00been, um--it is a post-adjudication court, so basically people who have been charged and convicted and sentenced to the court. And we have them for about eighteen to twenty-four months depending on how fast they move through the program.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: And basically we get them connected to intensive treatment. Like, if it's substance use or alcohol use, we get them connected to that kind of treatment or mental health treatment. Um, or if they need health treatment, we get them that as well. Um, and just basically make sure--monitor them, make sure they're doin', um, what they need to do in getting, um--getting sober a lotta times.

HALASKA: Yeah. Um, how--how did you get involved in that work?

FELTEN: Um, well, after leaving the military, um, there had been a time, and I wanna say it was probably from when I was discharged in 2000 to, um, I'm gonna 02:30:00say about 2017 where I felt kind of, um--I felt bad about my military service and, um, mostly because there had been trauma in my service. And with that, like, it kinda felt like a dirty secret kinda thing. So, um, I didn't talk about it a lot. I didn't even celebrate during [laughs]--during Veterans Day or anything. I mean, I be-- I became a member of the d-- Disabled American Veterans. But, um, that was the just of any kind of military existence after the military.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: And so, um, I think it was 2017--well, let me back it up. Uh, 2007, I think it was, '06 or '07, I had spoke to a counselor at VA [Veterans Affairs]. 02:31:00And I told that counselor that I was thinking about going on for my master of social work because I wanted to do clinical therapy. And it'd be nice to work with veterans because I'd like to give back to veterans 'cause I feel like I have something to give to them. And so, um, he kind of inspired me and told me, you know, "Why don't you get a job at VA when you get out of school?" And I--I had never thought about that before. So, I th-- I thought, you know, that sounds like a good idea, a good goal. Um, and I--I was like I don't know if I can attain that, but we'll try. I think that--that sounds reasonable because then I can reach people who may have been affected by trauma such as myself.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: And so 2009 I graduated with my master's degree. And [laughs] the way that they word their, um--their, um, job postings is intimidating so I didn't 02:32:00apply for it for the first [laughs]--probably for the first three years since--after I was graduated with my master's degree.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: And finally I got my first job at VA, and actually my first and only job at VA, uh, in August 2015. And I felt very, very happy that I could, um, actually accomplish my goal.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: And work with veterans and feel like I could give something back to them. And, um, then come 2017, just working with veterans and seeing some of the trauma that they've gone through, it kinda brought up some of my past. So then, um, it made me revisit that thought process of why do I think of my military history as this burden or as less than honorable, less than perfect because it 02:33:00was honorable. I mean, that's what they say it is, you know. It has to be. And so, um, when I started digging into my own trauma is when I kind of accepted that I don't have anything to be ashamed of. People would get injured all the time and things that happen to you don't have to keep you back. And so, um, I feel like it's been a journey.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: [laughs] Again, let the journey begin, right. But I feel like it's been a real journey to get me to the spot that I am now. I'm not a hundred percent.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: But I am much better than I was when I was discharged. And I think that, um, being able to--to see the veterans and feel like I'm not in the military but I'm in that veteran world and the atmosphere. It brings back some of the good memories. And it makes you proud of your service.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm, excellent. Thank you. Um, where--where did you graduate from?

FELTEN: For my bachelor?

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: I graduated from UW [University of Wisconsin]-Oshkosh. Um, and I had a bachelor in science in psychology.

HALASKA: Okay.

FELTEN: And my master's I got at Loyola University Chicago.

HALASKA: Okay. And did you move down to Chicago while you were getting that or commute?

FELTEN: No, I commuted.

HALASKA: Okay. [laughter] How was that?

FELTEN: Um, it was a pain. [laughter] It was two years and I counted down every day.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: It was a pain. But now that it's done I'm very happy that I did it.

HALASKA: Yeah.

FELTEN: Because I wouldn't be where I'm at now if I didn't have that.

HALASKA: Oh, yeah. Um, and it's a good program I'm guessing?

FELTEN: It was, yeah, yeah.

HALASKA: Yeah, good. Um, are there--so, how do you think--um, I know you've said 02:35:00that your--you know, with your military service, it, um, inspired you to work with veterans. But how do you see, um, what you accomplished in the military and what you learned from your military experience, um, helping you today in your job, in your work?

FELTEN: Just knowing the atmosphere and that, you know, you may watch a movie that's military related and you may think I know what they do in the military. And that is not true. [laughter] That is so not true.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: And I think that, um, just being a veteran and working with veterans, it gives you a new perspective. Like, I feel the veterans are very comfortable with me --

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: --because they know that 'cause I do tell them. I'm like I'm a veteran too. And I know that, you know, Navy-- not the Navy, but the military is not 02:36:00always nice to people. And sometimes, um, bad things happen to good people. And a lot of times I get people who may not have talked to other people come out of their shell. And not everyone had trauma in the military, but a lot of the veterans that I see have had some trauma in the military or maybe before the military, um, or maybe even after the military. But whatever the case, there's trauma there. So, it does, um, give some insight 'cause they feel comfortable. And I'll say, like, I have a group that I facilitate too at the VA. And it's all veterans and they could take that group outside of VA as well. Um, but they choose to take it at VA because they wanna be around veterans 'cause they feel comfortable sharing personal things with veterans because they all have something in common. And that's what they've told me. That even though they've taken it before in outside, it's so much better in--in the VA because they have 02:37:00the veterans there. And while they may not always agree with the veterans--that's just how military life was too. You don't always agree with people but you come back around.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: And so, um, it's nice to be able to have that kinda viewpoint. Now, I'm not sayin' that, like, I'm helping everyone because anyone can help people and you don't have to have had that military history. But I do think that that gives me a leg up, um, in helping open the conversation.

HALASKA: Yeah.

FELTEN: And, um, I would say that I've had a lotta success and a lot of positives because--and I think it's because I'm a veteran and I am honest. So, if--if they ask me something, I'm gonna give them the right answer whether it may--may be a little bit tough or whatever. Um, and they know that and they respect that. And they understand that also comes with military life with that perspective.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm. Um, just from what I know about social work, it's--it is difficult work, um--

FELTEN: It is, yeah.

HALASKA: --overall.

FELTEN: Mm-hmm.

HALASKA: Um, can you, um, tell me about how, um--although it might be difficult, how it's also rewarding for you and kind of how, um--how you keep goin' with it?

FELTEN: Okay. Um, I think it's difficult depending on your job.

HALASKA: Yeah, yeah.

FELTEN: So, like, when I first got out of college, my first job was--was with Child Protective Services. And I did not wanna do that--

HALASKA: Yeah.

FELTEN: --but, um, I did it. And, um, I--I'm glad I did 'cause I have that experience. But I would never want that to be my career. And I would say, like, um secondary trauma related to, um, working with individuals who are hurt or 02:39:00traumatized, sometimes that comes up. And, um, it is tough to work with that, especially, like, when you don't--there's no words to say to someone to make them feel better. Um, and it's, um--it changes from day to day. And I feel like you could be a social worker for twenty years and you still wouldn't--you'd still have one of those moments during the year or during the month, during the week maybe, where you have a hard time answering the question or helping someone get passed something that they can't get passed or that they feel they can't get passed. Um, it is rewarding seeing that happen and seeing those people come back and say, "Hey, I'm so glad that you were there for me 'cause nobody else was." 02:40:00Um, and I have had that. Um, and I've had people cuss at me and just--and fire me. [laughter] Um, but, you know, you take the--the curves with the--the good times too.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: And, you know, the way I look at it is that everyone--every week has Monday and everyone has a Monday that they don't like [laughs] 'cause Mondays are not traditionally very good. [Halaska laughs] So, I'm gonna say the life in--the life of a social worker can ver-- be very equivalent to Mondays 'cause it seems like there's a lot of crisis going on and somethin' happens and it messes up your schedule so you're runnin' behind. [laughter] It's very much like that.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: But what's different about my current job is that I think that my heart is there. Now, doing CPS [Child Protective Services], yes, I'm always there. I 02:41:00was ar-- always attentive. But that's not what I wanted to do.

HALASKA: Yeah.

FELTEN: I went to college because I wanted to work for VA. I wanted to work with veterans. And, um, I didn't know what I--like, why I wanted to work with them then. But I'm pretty sure after my experiences and after kinda coming to realization of my own personal self--

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: --is that, um, I wanna help people who may have experienced some of the stuff that I experienced. And it may not be the same exact experiences, but, um, just knowing that they have som-- that they know they have someone there who has walked the walk and can walk that line with them.

HALASKA: Mm-hmm.

FELTEN: That's--that's why I do my job. And that's why I love my job. It doesn't even feel like a job because I just enjoy the conversations, the feeling like there's some camaraderie. And that's very odd to say going into prisons 02:42:00[laughter] and working that way, but I really--I really enjoy doing what I do. And I think that I made the right decisions in whatever projected me to this point in time. I--I made right choices somewhere.

HALASKA: Yeah. That's fantastic. Um, kind of wrapping up, um, this interview, um--well, before, I guess, wrapping up, is there any, um--anything else, any other stories or anything else that you wanted to talk about, um, kinda before I ask the wrapping up questions?

FELTEN: No, I think we gave a good summary.

HALASKA: All right, excellent. Um, so, and this can be quick, but, um, why was, um, it important for you to do this oral history interview? And, um, I guess, what--what would you want people to take away from it?

FELTEN: I think it was important to do this because I felt for so long that my history wasn't worth it. And it was very scary and intimidating coming here today to do this. But I feel better getting it out there because I am proud of my history. And I've spent so much time being not so proud of my history that this is very much, I think, maybe therapeutic for me to get my story out there so that other people may want to come forward and talk about their history that they didn't think was very significant or maybe they didn't see combat or boots on ground or whatever. Um, but know that every--every service member played a role in--in whatever the mission was. So, that's what I always keep in mind. And that's--that's kinda what I wanted to--to do here. Plus to push myself because, 02:44:00um, I will tell you. [laughs] Last January when that, um, "I'm Not Invisible" campaign first started with the pictures being taken, um, that's kinda what--what's, um, got this rolling today. And it took all that time for me to maybe even make it here 'cause I don't think I was ready. But, um, I feel that everyone has something to share. And it may not be the story that the next person tells, but it's my story. And I think it's important 'cause there's gonna be somebody out there with some stories that may be similar. And that's why I wanted to come and give my story.

HALASKA: All right. Well, thank you very much.

FELTEN: Thank you.

[Interview Ends]