Josette Dermody was born in Detroit, Michigan. She grew up in a Catholic family, attended parochial school and really really didn’t want the future she thought was mapped out for her:
I was supposed to go to the Convent. The nuns had me. They were zeroed in on me and I didn’t want to. Becoming a nurse, becoming a teacher, working in an office or a nun and that, that was about it. And of course getting married and having twelve kids.
So first chance she got, she enlisted in the WAVES. This photograph comes from the collection of Josette Dermody Wingo.
Hinges of History 
She once sent me an autographed copy of her book “My mother was a gunners mate” of all the stuff distroyedrwhen my Humvee blew up in Iraq i was most upset about that book. It is also the book i give to my proteges when they transfer men or women.
Emily, if you send me a message at info@taylorcatproductions.com, I’ll connect you with Josette again. She’s been an active part of this project and is featured in the film – a really terrific lady!