The NYC Veterans Oral History Project: Carol St. Pierre

 Biography

Carol St. Pierre is a career Army nurse. She is the chief nurse at Fort Wadsworth, Staten Island, and at St. Luke’s Roosevelt. During her early years in the Army, she was very close with four other women. Ms. St. Pierre cites these women as the reason she was able to become who she is today. They all supported each other and acted as each other’s mentors. Through this friendship, they were able to look beyond the challenges of being black women in the military. Ms St. Pierre was instrumental in implementing the military’s Family Readiness Program in 2005, which provides support to families of deployed soldiers. Ms. St. Pierre is also the current President for the New York chapter of Black Military Women.

 

Major Points in Interview

 

 

 

:47 - Joined the Army in Order to be Prepared

1:10 - Being a black woman in the military had its ups and downs.

1:32 - Worked w/ four close friends who gave her strength & support.

3:12 - Men still treated her as if women don't belong in the military

5:38 - Because of these friends, she didn't see challenges.

6:25 - Feels the enemy is not going to care if you're black or a woman, you're just the enemy, so why should US soldiers treat you differently.

7:25 - Became involved with the Family Readiness Program, to take care of families of deployed soldiers.

10:00 - Provided financial planning advice, job readiness advice, helped them be more independent.

11:20 - Sponsored children to go to camps with other children of deployed soldiers.

14:21 - Is also Chief Nurse at Ft. Wadsworth, SI.

15:06 - President of Black Military Women, which is essential for female soldiers and veterans supporting each other.

16:34 - Indicates other medical brigades she has been part of.

17:48 - Whole military career has been in New York City.

18:13 - Feels it's essential to have soldiers stay behind to help those who are deployed.

20:20 -Military has changed, more women have become involved.

24:23 - Reads a poem written by a young soldier.

25:50 - Civilians can help the military by raising their awareness.

27:58 - Advises young people to find someone to connect with.

29:03 - Proudest moment was setting up a depmed with her friends.

32:28 - Talks about her future plans to help young soldiers coming out of the military and women vets who are homeless.

33:40 - Shares plaques that recognize her hard work.

 

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