Helen Anderson Glass pushed aside a fat scrapbook brimming to the edges with yellowed newspapers, black-and-white photos and hundreds of poems she had written to honor military veterans.
The 92-year-old was filled with pride as she talked about the heroes in her life — her brother who was killed in action in 1943 while serving on the USS Savannah, and a woman she knew who spent 30 years keeping the secret that she helped to break codes used by German U-boat commanders.
“I am no hero,” Glass whispered, insisting she only followed orders.
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Out of a plastic bag, Glass retrieved several heavy gold medals, just a portion of the many accolades she earned over the years.
Her poems on patriotism and serving in the military have won several medals over the years. Glass says she hopes a collection of the poems can be published in a book to honor other military veterans.
Among her other accolades: being named Arizona’s Woman Veteran of the Year, the American Legion Volunteer of the Year, VFW Volunteer of the Year, VA Hospital Volunteer of the Year, Legionnaire of the Year and induction into the Veteran’s Hall of Fame in 2002.
The attack on Pearl Harbor inspired Glass to join the military.
Glass said she clearly remembers working as a switchboard operator on the December morning in 1941 when the flood of calls came in. Most in her office guessed there must have been a bad storm coming. They learned later from radio reports about the attack.
Her brother, Arthur, would join the Navy the following month. Only 18 years old, Glass had to wait 15 months before she could enlist. On her 20th birthday, she became part of the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service, known better as WAVES.
By the end of the year, Glass learned by telegram of her brother’s death.
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His body is buried off the coast of Malta.
Glass kept serving after her discharge and volunteered for decades for the Veterans Administration, helping other veterans.
Glass wrote poems when inspired and worked with crafts. Most recently, she handed out bags she stitched with pockets filled with items like flashlights and books. The bags can either be carried or fitted to a wheelchair or walker.
Her voice drops a little as she talks about continuing to volunteer at the local VA, conceding her body can no longer put in the work hours her heart desires.
Over the years, the number of days she’s volunteered has declined from several times a week to what Glass calls “special occasions.”
“I miss going. I used to go every week,” Glass said. “Doing this gives me life — I mean it — otherwise I wouldn’t have any of these honors. This keeps me going every day. It inspires me.”
