During Women’s History Month (March), the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) proudly honors the military achievements and experiences of American women. Here is just one story of a Minnesota woman’s service during the Vietnam War era.

After growing up in Anoka as an avid fan of outdoor activities like snowmobiling and sledding, Marcella Gosch joined the Navy in 1974 with a friend under the buddy enlistment program, which tried to keep friends together as long as possible while each met requirements and showed progress. However, Marcella and her friend didn’t get to stay together after boot camp in Orlando, FL.

Working as a postal clerk during her service into 1979, Marcella was stationed in a number of locations including San Diego, CA; Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; Jacksonville, FL; and Norfolk, VA. She says, “It was quite an experience to move around and see different scenery and people.”

A Naval career peppered with proud moments

Looking back on her service, Marcella appreciates getting to know so many new people and gaining the discipline to follow a routine and the chain of command.

As a postal clerk, Marcella’s duties included meeting the ferry bringing the mail to Cuba, sorting and delivering mail and working at the post offices on base. There are many moments she considers highlights of service, including:

• Earning E-5 rank within four years of enlistment, as well as the Good Conduct Medal
• Playing basketball on base and eventually traveling with teammates to play in the nationals
• Learning skills as a postal clerk that helped her secure a civilian job with Fingerhut upon her return home to Minnesota

Overcoming challenges with an impressive outlook

The cheer that radiates from Marcella is even more impressive upon learning of the challenges she has faced both as a Veteran and as a woman in the military. Marcella shares that being a woman in the Navy in the 1970s was still somewhat rare, and that some male sailors weren’t always respectful toward her and fellow women serving.

“Women were overlooked by men, and that’s why it’s important for us to honor those who went before us,” she says.

In Marcella’s experience, the transition home from the Navy wasn’t easy either. “People didn’t accept you after Vietnam. Here I thought I was doing something for my country, but I had a hard time making friends (returning to civilian life). It was heartbreaking.”

Marcella acknowledges how hard these situations were and that at times she sought unhealthy options to relieve the pain she experienced. Another testament to Marcella’s will and strength is that she has been clean and sober for 47 years.

Optimism that shines brightly

One of three women—all Navy Veterans—living in the Fergus Falls Veterans Home, Marcella says, “I’ve never been more recognized for my service than I have since living here. Here, they know and honor Veterans.”

Recognized as the “queen of optimism,” Marcella enjoys going on outings, playing bingo and broadcasting a positive message over the intercom every day at the Home. This tradition started when Marcella first began offering uplifting messages to the housekeeping team. A nurse overheard those inspiring ideas and thought they should be shared with all.

Marcella attributes her improved mental health to moving into the Fergus Falls Veterans Home. “I wake up smiling every day and try to keep my laughter going.” Aside from the fun she has as a Resident, Marcella enjoys visits with her kids Charity and Josh, eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Resources for women Veterans

MDVA’s Women Veterans Program strives to ensure all women Veterans are treated with dignity and respect. From supportive resources to locations for women-centered care, MDVA is here to help.