SHARON CENTER

Who counts as a veteran?

The answer should be any person who has served in the military; however, historically, the United States has sought loopholes that allowed the government not to extend recognition and benefits to certain groups. Some servicemembers – the Navajo Code Talkers, the Tuskegee Airmen, and the Buffalo Soldiers, for example – were victims of this mindset; although they contributed significantly to the country’s war efforts, they all waited until recently to be commended for their service.

The WASP – Women Airforce Service Pilots – were among the overlooked servicemembers.

Vietnam Veteran Larry Ritland, who lives in the very center of Iowa, remembers growing up feeling proud of his uncles who served in World War II. On Memorial Days, “It made me so proud to see my uncles in their military uniforms marching with at least 100 other local veterans, all men, down Main Street,” he wrote in a press release. “At that age it never occurred to me that women had any impact on World War II.”

In recent years he became more aware. In 2022, he and his wife visited the National WASP World War II Museum in Sweetwater, Texas, where he learned about the 1,102 women who trained just like their male counterparts in the US Army Air Corps, learning to fly every type of military aircraft, from bombers to fighters. They took on stateside flying operations so that male pilots would be free to engage in combat overseas.

The WASP were paid $150 a month for their 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. training days; however, due to being classified as civilians, they paid for their own transportation, uniforms, room and board.

From September 1942 to December 1944, they made a difference with their service.

Despite not engaging in direct combat, flying military aircraft was hardly safe. Thirty-eight women died serving their country. As civilians, they were not entitled to any compensation; the government did not pay their burial expenses.

“This is what really motivated me to do something to remember these women,” Ritland wrote. “I have three daughters and five granddaughters. Their futures have no doubt been brighter, with more opportunities, because of the sacrifices these incredible, pioneering women made.”

Two of the WASP who perished were Iowans.

Ritland, an avid cyclist, decided to honor them by riding his bike from the grave of Gleanna Roberts, in Welsh Church Cemetery, Sharon Center, to the grave of Beverly Jean Moses, in Oakwood Cemetery, Pleasant Hill. He would continue his ride all the way to the National WASP World War II Museum in Texas.

“Even though it has been 80 years since they were laid to rest, I want to honor these two women and continue the legacy of all the Women Airforce Service Pilots who served our country,” he wrote.

On Tuesday morning, Sept. 3, Ritland met other community members at the Welsh Church Cemetery for a short service before setting off on his 1,149-mile journey. Sherrill Roberts, Gleanna Roberts’ niece, shared much of what is known about Gleanna’s life story (see sidebar); Ritland showed the group the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor given by Congress, that was issued to Gleanna’s family in 2010; and historian Dave Jackson shared photos and newspaper stories he had gathered on Gleanna.

Then the cyclist, accompanied by daughter Lindsey Ritland Ante, hopped on his bike and coasted away, down the rolling hills.

His work toward recognizing the Iowan WASP resulted in Governor Kim Reynolds issuing a proclamation to that end; on Sept. 5, she declared the day Gleanna Roberts and Beverly Jean Moses Day in Iowa. Ritland stopped in Des Moines for the reading of the proclamation, then continued his ride, which he documented on Facebook under the moniker, “The Old Cycling Veteran.”

He arrived in Sweetwater, Texas on Saturday, Sept. 28, having cycled for 26 days.

“Proud to play a part in preserving the legacy of the Women Airforce Service Pilots, who volunteered to serve during World War II when our country needed them. Their sacrifice must not be forgotten,” he posted.

In November 1977, limited military veteran status was granted to all who served under the WASP program. It is Ritland’s hope that others will want to learn more about them.

Visit the WASP website at waspmuseum.org, or tour the National WASP World War II Museum at 210 Avenger Field Road, Sweetwater, Texas. For additional information, contact them at 325-235-0099.