CPL, US Army, Barbara Elena Gonzáles Baca

On August 29, 1944, Barbara E. Gonzáles (Baca) joined the Women’s Army Corp (WAC). ^{1, 2} She was stationed at several Army-Air Force bases and was eventually positioned at the Pentagon. ¹ Gonzáles served for two years as a WAC during World War II and was discharged when the war ended. ¹

Gonzáles, daughter of Paul and María Justa Gonzáles, was raised in Trinchera and Branson, Colorado. ^{1, 3, 4} She was an honor student at Branson High School and graduated from business school in Denver. ¹ After completing her associate degree at Trinidad Junior College, she moved to Denver where she worked for the Denver Social Services Department. ¹ Afterward, she attended Adams State University in Alamosa and received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education. ¹ She married Navy Chief Warrant Officer Raymond Baca at the Long Beach Navy base chapel on May 20, 1964. ^{1, 5} She taught in Branson, Colorado, then taught in California where she retired, spending time at Camp Nelson in Sequoia National Park, California, and Albuquerque, New Mexico. According to her obituary, Baca loved crafts and crossword puzzles, the casino, travel, and being with family and friends. ¹