Airman (Sep.) Dorthy Martin joined the Air Force in 1950 straight out of high school. After basic training and attending photo school in Denver, Colo., she was assigned to the photo shop at Buckley Air Force Base.
At her assignment, Martin met her husband and became pregnant with their child shortly after they were married. At the time, if a woman was married, she could opt to leave the service, but if a woman became pregnant, she was required to leave the military.
Martin and her husband were married for 61 years and had three sons. After her husband retired, they decided to stay close to Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. and applied for an apartment at the Bob Hope Enlisted Village, Shalimar, Fla.
After her husband passed away, a volunteer opportunity at the retirement home gift shop became available. With her background in sewing, knitting, crocheting and cross-stitching, she took on the job. Along with running the shop, Martin also knits baby clothes that grandparents can purchase for their grandchildren. She considers the Bob Hope Enlisted Village community a part of her family.
The Air Force Enlisted Village is a nonprofit organization whose core mission is to provide a safe, secure home for surviving spouses of retired enlisted U.S. Airmen.