"When I came in, I just wanted to increase my musical career...and now I see it as a lot more than just a musical outlet." (Audio interview, 18:32)

Charity Ann Barron Mahannah

War: War on Terrorism, 2001-2009 Branch: Navy Unit: Atlantic Fleet Band Service Location: Norfolk, Virginia; San Diego, California; Seattle, Washington Rank: Petty Officer

Searching for a way to pursue a professional career in music, Charity Ann Barron Mahannah came up with a creative solution: she joined the military. A flautist, she chose the Navy because there, she could be a musician first and a sailor second. Enlisting in 1997, she was stationed with the Atlantic Fleet Band in Norfolk, Virginia. In her oral history interview, she stresses the benefits of her musical military life, but admits that being a female musician made her somewhat of a novelty on base.