In July 1977, I joined the Army and received basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. I was assigned to an all-female unit. The diversity of the women, who came from all parts of the country and from all walks of life, amazed me. Growing up in New Orleans, I had never had a friend from a different race. So living together in this new environment was an eye opener for me. I was a scared 98-pound weakling and soaking wet in my uniform.

We were housed in red-brick barracks furnished with old gr...