VA Salutes Longtime Care Center Volunteer
The Navy offered women few opportunities when Freade K. Wood enlisted in 1942 in Philadelphia. But during World War II, she proudly served as a storekeeper petty officer first class, issuing aviation supplies and doing payroll at Navy supply stores in Iowa and Florida.
Helping female veterans has been a major part of Wood’s life since then, and Tuesday the North Hills resident was honored with a Woman of Valor award at the Veterans Administration Sepulveda Ambulatory Care Center and Nursing Home, where she has volunteered for 18 years.
The honor is awarded annually to women who enhance care for female veterans, said Marianne Davis, a spokeswoman for the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System. Wood volunteers three days a week at the care center, where she makes sure female patients get their hair cut and receive gifts on holidays. She also helps organize bingo games for male veterans.
Wood, 82, said volunteering helps her stay young.
“I can’t understand people who sit around and do nothing and go to Vegas,” Wood said. “I’m just trying to stay active--staying active keeps the brain active.”
In 1997, Wood coordinated a trip to Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C., with 25 female veterans for the dedication of the Women in Military Service for America Memorial.
“At this age, I’m pretty lucky to get out and do these things,” Wood joked.
Gina Evans, an operations officer at the care center, also received a Woman of Valor award, Davis said.
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