Phoebe Berks Veteran Meets with Members of the Coast Guard
Two distinct generations of brave women came together at Phoebe Berks on Monday, August 26th as 103-year-old Dollie E. Bossler met with several members of the United States Coast Guard (USCG).
Bossler, a resident at Phoebe Berks, had served in the USCG Women’s Reserve during World War II. Joining the service in 1943, Bossler wanted to do whatever she could to help the war effort, a sentiment shared by many Americans at the time. This, combined with her brothers’ involvement in the military, inspired her to join.
Holding the official rank of Yeoman First Class, Bossler was responsible for clerical work such as writing letters and reports. One notable act she performed while on duty was writing letters to wives, notifying them that their husbands were well.
Bossler received honorable service commendations for excelling at her role and was honorably discharged on May 25, 1946.
In celebration of Bossler and the women who have and continue to valiantly serve the United States, several female members of the USCG paid Bossler a visit for a chance to connect and discuss their experiences.
The members of the USCG who visited Bossler are currently stationed in Baltimore and Philadelphia. They gave her a warm USCG blanket and several Challenge Coins.
Coast Guard Challenge coins are a symbol of the Coast Guard’s commitment to bravery, unity, and defense of the United States. They are a way to show appreciation to the members of the Coast Guard, and usually feature the Coast Guard Seal on one side and a custom design on the other. The custom design can represent missions, ships, shore commands, and special sea task forces.
The simple presence of this noble group of women from different generations in the same room was special to see, their shared experiences bonding them.
Phoebe Ministries is proud to serve residents like Bossler daily across each of its campuses.
Bossler remains a proud member of the Women’s Veterans of Berks County and Phoebe Berks’ own veteran’s group.
For more information on Phoebe Berks, please visit phoebe.org/berks.
