Frances Rebecca Ousley

I was assigned to the Naval Staff overseeing the construction of the new Naval Air Station in Meridian, Mississippi in early 1961. At a local Bank in Meridian, where I went to open an account, I met a nice young lady whose name was Sara Williams. She began asking routine questions to establish my identity. As soon as I said, "I'm assigned as part of the team to build the Naval Air Station here, her eyes brightened and she said, "We've been so excited, wait a moment, while I get my boss. He'll want to meet you and hear all about it. We knew land had been cleared, and several runways constructed but that's all." With that she hurried off.

Sara returned with coffee and her boss. We chatted a few minutes, I told them all I knew about the base which was little, having just arrived. I departed with an account and Sarah's phone number. Sarah said, "Call me, I have a fiend, my room—mate, Frances, I want you to meet. She is pretty, nice and sweet.

I telephoned and asked Sarah for date. she said, "I'm seeing my boyfriend tonight but Frances might be available. Hold on and I'll, ask her. Returning, to the phone. Sara said, "Frances would love to meet you. Drop by about 8:00. You know where we live. See you then. bye now."

I arrived about 8:00 and knocked gently and waited. The door opened, by a young lady who said, "I'm Frances. Please Sit down, relax. I just got home from work and I need to freshen up. I'll will return in a few minutes."

Returning, I saw how lovely she looked and we we off to the movies gut changed minds because we were both hungry; so we stopped at the Davis Grill for a bite.

What started out as an innocent date and a bite to eat turned into a military wedding 2 years later and ultimately a life—long, love—affair of 61+ years.