Billing, who is stationed at Fairfax County’s Fort Belvoir, has received the Spirit of Service Award from the American Legion for her volunteer work with World War II veterans visiting Washington.
Why did you join the Army?
I actually joined because I wasn’t ready for college. I originally wanted to go into psychiatry. I ended up in combat medic school.
Why medical work?
You always have a purpose and a job. Whether it is dealing with casualties or treating people who have colds, medical work always changes. You’re never going to be a complete expert on anything. And you’re always doing something different.
How do you prepare?
It’s not impossible, but I was worried about being able to do what I had to do. My job was to help everyone. The hardest thing to deal with as a medic is that you can’t save everyone. I think everyone deals with it their own way. It’s one of those things you have to come to terms with — and fast. But I guess it’s the same for any medical person. You just somehow have to cope with what you aren’t going to be able to fix.
What have you taken out of your time with the veterans?
It’s a real honor. I get to be with people as they view the memorial that was built for them. I get to hear stories that some family members say they were shocked to hear and had never been told before. I think being at the memorial, in a group setting, just brings the stories out.
Was it strange adjusting to D.C.?
Yeah, it’s just a little bit different from Broadus, Montana. I always tell people that I lived 87 miles from the nearest Wal-Mart. There were 148 kids in seventh through twelfth grade when I graduated. I really wanted to travel and see the world. And I’ve done that.
