Growing up in small towns like Mexico and Livermore Falls, Melissa (Souther) Theriault dreamed of seeing the world.

After her graduation from Mountain Valley High School in 1991, she worked for a year. Then in July of 1992, she joined the U.S. Navy and became an Airman.

An Theriault explained, “When I joined, I had nothing to hold me here. I wanted to see the world.”

She went to boot camp and C school (advanced training) in Orlando, FL. Then she was stationed at Naval Air Station North Island in Corando, CA, near San Diego.

An Theriault was an airman striker at her first duty station. When she got to Naval Air Station North Island, she was placed with supply as an AK striker, known as an aviation storekeeper. She started out in the office printing and receiving orders then taking them to the warehouse.

An Theriault said, “Then I worked in a warehouse, breaking down outputs for delivery.”

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While working there, An Theriault took a truck-driving course. After receiving her license, she started work in the Material Delivery Unit where she would deliver large and small parts to squadrons and other buildings on base.

After she was there for a year, An Theriault was transferred to supply administration. She was responsible for checking in and out new sailors and working for the Supply Commander. She then worked for the Commander by reading and printing messages for the Commander.

After 18 months, she was transferred to the awaiting parts unit. When a part came in, she would place the part with the unit until all the parts arrived. Then the parts would go back to the squadron.

After serving her four years, An Theriault came home to her family and friends.

She recounted, “Since I have been out, I have had many different jobs from CNA work to teacher’s aide, construction, and working in the public. My most important job has been raising my son Michael and daughter Lynda.”

During her enlistment, An Theriault said she learned about “Pride, self-respect, self-esteem and to follow orders!”

An Theriault is the daughter of Wilbur Souther of Livermore Falls and the late Patty Souther. Her stepfather is Robert Hodgkins of Mexico. Tommy Souther is her brother and has passed away.


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