Tune in to “Military Tales” for “Wives Tales,” featuring a rare conversation with Pat Doolittle, Ann Kelly, and Lynn Roulston, who share their experiences as wives of A-1 Skyraider pilots. Discover the unique “sisterhood” they formed, built on shared history, common events, and mutual understanding that allowed them to pick up right where they left off even after years apart. Hear candid accounts of navigating constant moves, supporting flexible, outgoing military kids, and managing husbands’ absences with limited communication, while having deep trust in their piloting skills and the passion for flying. They reflect on the historical role of military wives, the humility of their pilot husbands who rarely discussed dangerous missions, and the incredible, often unmatched, community support found within the military compared to civilian life. This episode offers a powerful perspective on the resilience, challenges, and enduring bonds of the women who served as the vital “tail of the plane,” keeping things straight for their families and their A-1 pilots.
Episode 32 of “Military Tales” takes us into the heart of the home front, offering a rare and powerful glimpse into the lives of the women married to A-1 Skyraider pilots. Titled “Wives Tales,” the episode introduces us to Pat Doolittle, Ann Kelly, and Lynn Roulston, who share decades of shared history and the unique bond forged through the military experience. As the host aptly puts it, if the pilots have a brotherhood, these women represent a vital “sisterhood”. They are, in a sense, the “tail of the plane” that helps keep everything straight and grounded.
These women met at different points in their husbands’ careers, often through shared duty stations like Myrtle Beach or Davis-Monthan. Their initial connections were built on shared experiences: young children playing together, husbands in the same squadrons, and the inherent understanding of military life. Lynn Roulston shared her early, patriotic dream of marrying someone from a service academy, a dream that came true when her high school boyfriend, John Roulston, decided to attend the Air Force Academy. She recounts playfully teasing him later about his struggles with homesickness for her during his time there. Ann Kelly met her husband, Jim Kelly, an A-1 pilot returning from Vietnam, on a blind date in 1970, ultimately marrying him for his honesty, trustworthiness, and integrity. Pat Doolittle met her husband, Jimmy Doolittle III, when she was just 19 and he was a senior cadet at Texas A&M. She was on a date with another young man when she met Jimmy at a drive-in, immediately impressed by his uniform and his demeanor, seeing him not as a boy, but a man with integrity and goals.
One of the defining aspects of military life discussed is the constant movement. Pat moved 18 times, Ann 17 times, and Lynn, though fewer moves (5), often stayed for only a year or two. They described the challenge of uprooting their lives and establishing community quickly. While it was easier when their children were young and could adapt, becoming a “new adventure” and even an opportunity to decorate a new home, it grew harder as kids reached junior high or high school. However, they noted that military kids are incredibly flexible, outgoing, and make friends easily, skills they carry into adulthood.
Dealing with their husbands’ absences was another significant challenge. Pat’s husband was gone for a year in Thailand shortly after they married; she returned to live near her parents for support and finished her degree while he was away. Communication was difficult compared to today, with long waits for mail or tapes and limited, often alarming, news reports. Despite the risks inherent in flying, there was a profound trust in their husbands’ abilities. Lynn felt her husband was a “born pilot” and never worried he wouldn’t survive, a sentiment echoed by the understanding that these men had a deep “passion for flying” that was “in their blood” and reinforced by extensive training. Ann focused her energy on keeping their sons busy and adventurous so they wouldn’t worry about their dad.
Historically, military wives faced pressure to be the “perfect wife,” a role that involved expectations of home-cooked meals and not arguing, even when their husbands came home stressed from headquarters jobs. This contrasted with the husbands’ need for camaraderie at the bar after work to “blow off steam” and discuss the mission. The women often understood this need and gave them space. The role of wives has evolved; while traditionally many did not work outside the home, particularly when husbands were commanders (a position that required significant time supporting base groups), more women now balance careers. Serving as a commander’s wife was seen as a significant responsibility, a chance to be a role model and provide support, especially for younger wives navigating military life for the first time.
A striking theme was the humility of the pilots. The wives shared that their husbands rarely discussed dangerous or even highly successful missions, viewing them simply as “part of the mission”. Pat’s husband, Jimmy Doolittle III, never told her about his involvement in a major rescue operation, a story she only heard years later. Lynn shares that her sons struggled to get their dad to explain the stories behind his 19 medals for saving lives; he just said, “It was part of the mission”. These men avoided the spotlight, seeing their actions as just doing their job.
The episode vividly portrays the incredible community and support structure within the military world. Moving was eased by immediate acceptance; household goods not arrived? Neighbors would offer spare furniture. Someone unpacking? Others would bring food or watch the children. This deep sense of connection and mutual support stands in stark contrast to experiences described by the wives after their husbands retired and they moved into civilian communities, where neighbors might be less open or helpful. This military “culture,” as one wife called it, is something that only those who have lived it can truly understand.
Even in retirement, the bond continues, with retired military couples often finding each other like “magnets”. The wives reflected on the importance of their legacy, hoping that sharing their stories helps future generations appreciate the sacrifices made and provides insight for new wives about the unique challenges and rewards of military life. They also touched upon the enduring passion for flying that many of their husbands possess, continuing to fly even after retiring from the Air Force.
Ultimately, “Wives Tales” highlights the resilience, strength, and vital supportive role played by military wives. They navigate constant change, long separations, and unique community dynamics, serving as the steadfast anchor for their pilot husbands and families. Their story is a powerful reminder that the strength behind military success extends far beyond the cockpit.