Meals-on-Wheels Celebrates the "Greatest Generation"  throughout March
Alvarado woman authentic 'Rosie the Riveter' during World War II

All month long, in celebration of "March for Meals," Meals-on-Wheels is honoring the clients they serve, many who are part of the "greatest generation." Dorothy Burns of Alvarado is just one of the many clients Meals-on-Wheels serves who has sacrificed so much. You might say she was one of the early pioneers for her gender, although the Meals-on-Wheels client only smiles at the suggestion.

She was in her late 20s when she landed a job with General Dynamics in 1943 during World War II, joining the legion of women who inspired the symbolic icon of the decade – Rosie the Riveter. "Wings were mostly what I did," Dorothy said.

Dorothy underwent six weeks of training in order to master the art of riveting the wings on the famous B-24 of World War II, also known as "The Liberator." "I went to school up (in Fort Worth) to learn how to use all those instruments," Dorothy said.

Once Dorothy was hired, she underwent procedural processing – such as registering for the schooling that was required. Charles drove her into Fort Worth despite frigid conditions. "It was down to 9 degrees the day we drove from here to Fort Worth," Charles, her husband, recalled.

With no heater, no defrost system, the trip was challenging to say the least. Afterward, the couple made the trek to pick up Dorothy's tools and uniforms. "We had to put something over the radiator to keep the water from freezing driving up there and then drain the water out of it after we got there (to keep it from freezing in the radiator) and then pour it back in when we started to leave. "That was the kind of cars you had back then," he continued. "There weren't any heaters or air conditioners, period."

Husband Charles was able to work through the Work Project Administration implemented during President Franklin D. Roosevelt's term. "The government furnished the work 15 days a month," Charles Burns explained. "It was not very highly paid but it was enough to get by on. By just working 15 days a month, it would give more people jobs."

Charles was part of the work force rebuilding Alvarado's old high school – removing the top floor, rebuilding a roof and then refurbishing the structure and reconditioning the building. 

Once the war wound down, the country was able to return to the business at hand – the manufacturer of automobiles for one. "Everybody's cars were all worn out by then," Charles recalled.

To honor those they serve – the "greatest generation" and to help raise monies for the program, Meals-on-Wheels will be hosting an evening of swing dancing, dinner, a "live" radio show featuring 1940s celebrities, and chances to win prizes at their annual fundraiser, Remember When…a Fabulous Forties' Fling. The event is scheduled for Saturday, March 27 at the National Guard Armory located at 618 N. Grand in Waxahachie, beginning at 6:30 pm. Tickets are $75 each, or tables for 8 for $1,000 which include happy hour, dinner, photos, and entertainment.  Sponsorships are also available at varying levels.

"We are excited about our upcoming benefit and having clients like the Burns attend to celebrate with us," said Amy Jackson, director of development. "They will be some of our honored guests during the evening to share their stories, but most importantly the night will be dedicate to helping the elderly, homebound in our community," she added.  

Meals-on-Wheels is a community-based, non-profit organization serving the homebound elderly and disabled residents throughout Johnson and Ellis Counties. For more information about the "March For Meals" events or about Meals-on-Wheels services, please contact Meals-on-Wheels at 817-558-2840 or www.servingthechildrenofyesterday.org .

"March For Meals" is a national campaign, initiated and sponsored by Meals On Wheels Association of America (MOWAA), to raise awareness of senior hunger and to encourage action on the part of the local community. Senior nutrition programs across the United States, like Meals-on-Wheels of Johnson and Ellis Counties, promote "March For Meals" in their local communities through public events, partnerships with local businesses, volunteer recruitment and fundraising initiatives. For more information on the 2010 "March For Meals" campaign please contact Meals on Wheels Association of America at www.mowaa.org.