Campfollowing: A History of the Military Wife

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"Campfollowers" themselves, Betty Alt and Bonnie Stone have collected published and unpublished memoirs, diaries and letters and have conducted personal interviews to present this comprehensive history of the military wife from the Revolutionary War through the post-Vietnam years. Concentrating on the hardships and rewards known to these women, this book considers both the traditional and modern roles of the military wife, with particular attention to her place as second in line to her husband's career and the military establishment's reluctant acceptance of her as integral to the success of its mission. Resilience and flexibility, loneliness and companionship, and danger and loyalty are all components of the life of a military wife and are reflected in these revealing pages. The chapters are organized chronologically, outlining the experience during both peacetime and war, both stateside and overseas. Throughout, the focus remains on the strength of this sisterhood as it copes with separation and fear by fostering its sense of community, and faces the indifferent attitude of the military by constantly asserting its identity.

Reviews

"Campfollowing opens an important page in history for the military and for the role of women in the military. The women described in this book were not only devoted wives and mothers who brought a few of the comforts of home to forlorn military outposts, but they were also nurses who cared for the sick and wounded, as well as soldiers who fought bravely next to their soldier-husbands. They served their country with great love, dignity, and honor, and they deserve this long overdue recognition. I believe this book will be both an inspiration and a model for present military spouses as they follow their loved ones throughout the world or wait patiently at home for them when they are apart."- Timothy E. Wirth U.S. Senator, Colorado
"From the vantage point of participant experience, Alt and Stone provide a popular survey of the adventures and tragedies of American military wives from the Revolution to the Vietnam Era. The story they tell, enriched by interviews and a keen critique of the contemporary military family support system, is quick-paced and wide-ranging. Meant to supply historical background to their earlier work, Uncle Sam's Brides, it is informative and often entertaining--a good introduction to the topic."- Carol M. Petillo Associate Professor of History Boston College
"We know that a supportive family is the key to a person's success. It is fascinating to read a history of military wives that begins to give them the credit they deserve for service to their country and their families."-Patricia Schroeder U.S. Representative, Colorado

Author Bio

BETTY SOWERS ALT has an M.A. in history from Northeast Missouri State University and is an instructor in sociology at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. She has frequently spoken on the problems/history of the military wife for military conferences and civic groups. BONNIE DOMROSE STONE has a B.A. in journalism from Marquette University and frequently lectures to women's groups. She is co-author of the history book Aloha Cowboy and is a former award-winning reporter and editor for both civilian and military publications. Alt and Stone's first book, Uncle Sam's Brides, was well received. The authors have been on numerous radio and television programs, including Good Morning America and CNN's Sonya Live.