Every veteran we’ve sat with this season has gushed about the “love of their life” -- the woman who worked hard at the hospital or factory or office or homestead and dutifully penned letters while they were away in the Service. They’ve wowed us with not only their love’s origin story, but the lifetime commitment they kept. And we’ve sat with them as they’ve missed and mourned that loved one -- coincidentally, the majority of our veterans this season are widowers.

And so in this episode, Frank Devita, John Bistrica, Ray Stanley Boutwell, Norman Rubin, and Pat D’Ambrosio return to tell a little about the women who made their life so complete. We share their stories simply, in a tribute to those who so supported them during the war, and long after.

Find photos of these couples - as well as those not shared in this episode - at www.ServicePodcast.org, where you can also share your Service stories and leave messages for all of the veterans you hear on Service.

And we’re always sharing extra audio and nerdy food history on social media - we’re @servicepodcast on Instagram and Facebook.