Sophie Yazzie, an unwavering and resolute woman hailing from the Canyon de Chelly in Arizona, cherished an aspiration like many of her Native American peers during World War II.
She dreamt of becoming a Navajo Code Talker, contributing to a war effort that utilized the unique linguistic characteristics of her native Navajo language to secure communications against enemy interception. Inspired by her nephew, Johnny Manuelito, one of the original 29 Navajo Code Talkers, Sophie sought to enlist in the Marine Corps. However, her request was denied, a setback that did not quell her determination.
Despite the initial refusal, Sophie's journey was far from over. She spent the subsequent two years working diligently as a cook in Gallup, New Mexico.
It was during this period of service and reflection that Johnny Manuelito suggested a different path for her—one that would ultimately lead her to the Women’s Auxiliary Army Corps (WAAC).
In January 1943, determined to serve her country, Sophie traveled to Santa Fe, New Mexico, where she was sworn into the WAAC at the age of 28.
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