Welcome To The WAVES

SEBRING - WAVES, says Betsy Waddell, is a World War II acronym for Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Services.

Waddell is a former chief petty officer, so she wasn't a volunteer. At her last assignment, she ran the military hospital billing department for the spouses of sailors.

And that is what WAVES prefer to be called these days, says Waddell. Women serve in nearly every job the Navy offers, including ships.

The WAVES National - that's the name of the organization - is having its regional conference in Sebring. Former sailors began arriving Thursday for golf, a spa and massage, and a wine and cheese party. On Friday, there's a trip to the Military Sea Services Museum on Kenilworth and a steak dinner at the Sebring VFW post.

On Saturday, and the public is invited, Waddell offered, Dr. Paul Guzman of the West Palm Veteran's Administration Clinic will talk about the problems soldiers and sailors are having after returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. Lunch costs $45, but those who want to just listen to the speaker can get in free.
"He's going to talk about what he's seen, and what we can do to help," said Waddell.

Also free is the speech by Rear Admiral Patricia Wolfe. She was promoted to flag rank in October 2007 and holds the positions of assistant deputy chief of staff for logistics, supply and ordnance; commander of the Pacific Fleet; as well as commander of logistics task force Pacific; and commander of Naval Logistics Forces in Korea.

"She'll review women's status in the Navy, and where we're going," Waddell said.
Sunday concludes with a 9 a.m. memorial service, a bell ceremony at 10:30 a.m. , and a closing ceremony at 11 a.m.