Irene Hosking was a registered nurse before World War II, but when her brother survived the Dec. 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor, she joined the Army.
World War II Army nurse Irene Hosking visits with Tara Arteaga, associate director of VFW membership at VFW National Headquarters, during the Michigan’s VFW convention. Hosking is 101 years old, and joined the Army after her brother survived the Dec. 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor. Photo courtesy of Tara Arteaga.Hosking, a member of VFW Post 4005 in Corunna, Mich., said her most vivid memories from serving overseas relate to the men who lost limbs in battle.
“We did not see the wounds when they first got their wounds,” Hosking said. “But I took care of the fellows that had both legs amputated. Another one that I remember to this day, most of the muscle and the legs were gone. They were just not there anymore. And also a baseball player that lost his pitching arm.”
One patient, Hosking said, had 17 wounds.
"[I can recall] how they were able to endure the pain of getting their dressings done. Those are the things I remember the most,” Hosking said. “And I am very, very happy that I was a registered nurse. I was able to help them.”
After returning stateside, Hosking attempted to join VFW in March 1946, but at the time the organization did not allow women.
Hosking did not become a member until February 1984. In 1996, she joined the Auxiliary.
“There were two other ladies that because they could not join the VFW, they joined the Auxiliary,” Hosking said, “and when they were able to join the VFW, they joined the VFW.”
Hosking has been with Post 4005 since joining the organization and has held positions as junior vice commander, senior vice commander and adjutant, in addition to her year as Post commander from 1995-96.
“By that time, they accepted me, and I am accepted with open [arms],” said Hosking, who currently is the Post’s chaplain.
While there is not one accomplishment that sticks out to her from her time as Post commander, she said that the Post is on the right track to become “vibrant” again.
“I have been encouraging people to be active in the county councils, the district meetings,” Hosking said. “I have not had good rapport with getting that done, but I think now we will be. We have a commander now that has been attending all of the meetings, along with me.”
In her time with the Post, Hosking said, she meets “a lot of the national figures” who attend state conventions.
“They want a picture with me because I’m a World War II nurse, and I’m still active,” Hosking said.
Throughout her VFW career, Hosking said the organization has opened a lot of doors for her.
“It’s hard to describe,” Hosking said. “It’s just something that I keep active, I keep going and at 101 years, I think it has kept my mind very active and still responsive at this time.”
This article was featured in the July/August 2019 issue of VFW Checkpoint. If you're a Post, District or Department Commander and aren't receiving the Checkpoint e-newsletter, please contact the VFW magazine at magazine@vfw.org.