My name is Judith Boston Valley. I am the widow of Corporal William Wayne Valley, United States Marine Corps. In 1994, I had back surgery which left me a paraplegic with TBI (Tramatic Brain Injury) and PTSD. Becoming a part of the Vetwives has changed my life in many ways. I know I am understood, I do not have to say "I am sorry" and we all have a common ground that allows me to go past everyday friendships. For me, this is like home. I am also the partner of Cannon, my service dog. He is the every faithful and loyal mascot of our Vetwives family.
Bill came into my life when I was 13. Love at first sight, believe me. Bill joined the Marines on April 15, 1964. I was still in high school. We were married while he was home on leave after graduating from Boot Camp at Camp Pentleton, CA. While stationed in Okinawa, Japan, he came home on an emergency leave. On December 16, 1967, at 6:45 am I was informed Bill was killed in a car accident. For some reason I was considered lucky that my husband was killed state side. In time I understood that. I wrote a poem about Bill and I. If you want to find out more about us, our children and grandchildren, you can go to his web site at: http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Farm/3592
Bill was gone most of our married life. However, writing daily and sending tapes to each other helped fill that void. During the times Bill was home, our home seemed to be the place where the guys would come to for home cooked meals or to talk about problems they were having. Semper Fi became a way of life for me. Helping the wives while their husbands were gone or writing some of the guys took up much of my time. I made sure the guys who had no families to speak of would get cards for holidays. I got my family, my neighborhood and myself baking cookies or other great surprises for the guys.
When I graduated from college, I became a Social Worker. I think when asked "what have you done that makes you feel successful" that reply would be: "I gave free therapy to Viet Nam Vets and their families". This was not a popular thing to do. For me it was more than giving therapy. In emergencies, I would find a shelter for the vet to stay at or a domestic shelter, when needed, for his family. When a vet did not know his rights or how to get the system to work for them, I would assist them in any way I could.
Bill's life may have left a void in my life that can never be filled but I have continued what Bill got me doing back in 1964. Guess you could say "once a Marine's wife always a Marine's wife".
Semper Fi
Judy came to our group but a short time ago but has left a lasting legacy of love and friendship with us. We know that there is another very special Angel watching over our daily lives. Here below is Judy's Obituary which reflects just a small part of her life's work.
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