Two local veteran women recall their service

EDIE MADSEN

Bertha (Edie) Madsen served in the Navy for three years.

When asked why she joined, Madsen replied, "It seemed like a good idea at the time, and I didn't have anything better to do."

She began her service in October 1968. Prior to enlisting, she had never left her home in Portland, Oregon, and had never even been on a plane.

Madsen was taken to Bainbridge, Maryland, where she completed...