Anita Marie (Kracen) Wampach (1944 - 2010)

Born 21 May 1944 in Rockford, Winnebago, Illinois, United States

Ancestors

Died 5 Sep 2010 at age 66 in Mount Vernon, Skagit, Washington, United States

Problems/Questions Profile manager: Dorothy Barry [send private message]

Anita (Kracen) Wampach is a Military Veteran.
Served in the United States Army 1964-1984 attaining enlisted rank of Sergeant First Class E-7
Served in Vietnam and in the Women's Army Corps.

Biography/Obituary

SGT Anita (Kracen) Wampach served in the United States Army in the Vietnam War
Service started: 1967
Unit(s): United States Women’s Army Corps
Service ended: 1968

Born Amanda Marie Kracen May 21, 1944 in Rockford, Illinois, Anita Wampach was adopted by Leopold and Leona (Kienlen) Wampach and brother Don in 1949. Anita grew up in Aurora, Illinois, graduated from Our Lady of Good Counsel School and East Aurora High School. In her youth, she received the nickname "Jinx," which was affectionately used the rest of her life. ^[1]

In 1964, Anita enlisted in the Women's Army Corps, serving in many capacities and locations during 20-plus years of military service. As an Administrative Assistant, she was among the first women to serve in combat areas in Vietnam in 1967 to 1968. She volunteered for another tour 1971 to 1972. She served in Saigon and Long Bihn.

She was selected as the first woman instructor at the 7th Army Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) Academy in Bad Toelz, Germany from 1974 to 1977 and 1979 to 1982. Anita taught Military Law and Map Reading. As Senior Instructor, she mentored many new instructors. In 1984, Anita retired E-7 from Fort Lewis, Washington.

SFC Anita Marie Wampach received the Bronze Star Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Women's Army Corps Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

After retirement from the Army, Anita completed her undergraduate degree at Seattle University, graduating Magna Cum Laude, majoring in Psychology and Rehabilitation. She obtained her Master's Degree in Community Psychology from St. Martin's College in Lacey, Washington. Using her creative thinking and military experience, Anita worked as a mental health therapist for children and youth in the Seattle - Tacoma area for the next 20 years. Many co-workers, clients, and their families praised her unique way of causing young people to make positive changes, using her reality-based methodology.

Around 1997, Anita was contacted by other women who served in Vietnam in a non-nurse capacity. They formed the support group Vietnam Women Veterans and in 1999 held their first conference in Olympia, Washington.

Anita Marie Wampach, 66, of Mount Vernon, Washington, a Vietnam War veteran and mental health therapist; peacefully passed away at her home September 5, 2010, after a brief battle with cancer.

Anita [was] buried in Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors on December 2, 2010.

Memories

I served with Anita Wampach at the 7th Army NCO Academy in 1979-1981. I taught Leadership and Communication skills. Anita taught map reading and other tactical subjects. The 7th Army NCO's enjoyed the Oktoberfest each year with the Golden Knights Parachute Team doing their air show at Bad Tolz. ^[2]

Sources

1. ↑ Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, IL) - Sunday, October 17, 2010
2. ↑ Dorothy M Barry MSG E-8, U.S. Army.

• U.S., Find A Grave Index 1600s-Current:

Name: SFC Anita Marie “Jinx” Wampach BIRTH 21 May 1944 Rockford, Winnebago County, Illinois, USA DEATH 5 Sep 2010 (aged 66) Mount Vernon, Skagit County, Washington, USA BURIAL Arlington National Cemetery Arlington, Arlington County, Virginia, USA PLOT Section 8-YY, Row 13, Site 6 MEMORIAL ID 64133496 View Source URL: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/64133496/anita-marie-wampach

• Obituary posted in the Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, IL) - Sunday, October 17, 2010

• Legacy.com ANITA WAMPACH OBITUARY, URL:

https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/dailyherald/obituary.aspx?n=anita-marie-wampach&pid=146008021

• http://www.kernfuneralhome.com/index.php?mod=obituaries_full&uid=554

• Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty DD Form 214.

• Vietnam Women Veterans, Inc., 10185 Mammoth Avenue, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70814; 1-800-217-8753; vietnamwomenveterans.org.

See Also:

• http://www.vietnamwar50th.com/assets/1/7/US_Servicewomen_in_the_Vietnam_War.pdf

• Parents findagrave.com #'s 126536933 & 126682771.