July 29th, 2021 – Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter joined members of the American Legion Post 651 in Sayville to celebrate the 99th birthday of Navy Veteran Ruth Welch. Ruth, who was born on July 29th, 1922, joined the United States Navy during the Second World War serving as a member of WAVES, Woman Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service. While in the Navy, she attended radio school in Wisconsin before being stationed at the United States Naval Air Station, Joint Reserve Base in New Orleans, Louisiana. On base, she became the first of 5 esteemed women who trained aircraft pilots on the use of radios.
“Ruth is a true pioneer, serving our nation at a time when women in active military duty was unusual. Through her extraordinary drive and spirit, she has blazed a trail for others to follow. On behalf of the members of the Islip Town Board, we applaud and celebrate you on this memorable birthday,” said Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter.
