My name is Barbara Kulusic, I'm a New Jersey native. I grew up in a large family, where many of my family members served in WWII, and during the Korean War. Growing up in the 60s, mom stayed home while dad worked. We went to Catholic school, then to public school. Days were spent riding bikes, roller skating, going to the community pool, playing ping pong, and going to the Stanley movie theatre. Playing at the local park on a airplane that had been gutted, jumping off the wings, and out of the doors like we were wearing parachutes. My favorite jobs I've had were: at an Ice cream parlor, and at Rockaway Sales, in the record department.

One of my brothers joined the Navy, and I got to visit him at some of his duty stations. That inspired me to join the Navy in December of 1981. I went to bootcamp then to parachute rigger school so I could learn how to inspect various survival equipment. My first duty station was Pensacola Florida with the Blue Angels. I stayed with the Blue Angels until I received spousal orders in 1985. I left active duty for a brief period before returning in 1993. It wasn't until 2004 that I retired.

After my service, I went to Cosmetology School and worked at Salon for a few years until I moved back to New Jersey. In 2021 I moved to Anderson, South Carolina, and met some of the other members of VHVA at a church event. I joined after I had attended a few the meetings. We have a growing number, including female vets. Hopefully, we will be in our new building by 2024 so more veterans can join our family.