by Shawn Nowlin
Even though Women’s History Month was in March, the Salem VA Medical Center (VAMC) continued that sentiment on June 6 by naming one of its health clinics in honor of local Veteran Ret. Master Sgt. (MSG) Silverine Vinyard James.
During the ceremony, Dr. Miguel LaPuz, Assistant Under Secretary for Health for Integrated Veteran Care and a former Salem VAMC Director provided the keynote address. Ben Cline, US Representative for Virginia’s 6th District, also made some remarks.
Unable to attend, Virginia Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner wrote James personal letters that were read aloud during the gathering, congratulating her for a long record of service to the nation.
Rebecca Stackhouse, Salem VAMC Executive Director, said, “The record of MSG James and her contributions to the military, being one of the first female Veterans to rise to an E-8 rank, is impressive and worthy of our admiration and recognition. I am extremely grateful we were able to share this moment with MSG James and her family, and I hope that her story and indomitable spirit will inspire everyone who walks past these doors for generations to come.”
Born in 1929 during the Jim Crow era, James grew up in Vinton, Virginia. She attended a four-room schoolhouse through seventh grade before attending Washington Carver High School. She went on to graduate third in her class in 1948. The following year, James joined the Army, attending boot camp as part of a segregated all-female company.
James’ tenure in the military took her all over the world. In addition to Japan, her military career also included assignments in New York and Germany, among many other places. Even after retiring from the Army, James spent an additional 22 years on active duty and attained the rank of Master Sergeant (E-8), often serving as the highest-ranking enlisted woman in fully integrated Army units.
Women, according to the Council on Foreign Relations, today represent just 16 percent of the enlisted forces. When James was in the military, that number was significantly lower.
After retiring, she briefly worked at the Salem VAMC, a facility she’s been a patient at for over four decades.
Candace Anderson is elated that she was present to experience history on June 6. “The ultimate sacrifice one can give is to protect our way of life. Mrs. James’ service in the military proved definitively that women could be just as inspiring and resilient as men. She has inspired me in ways that are difficult to put into words,” she said.
Displayed on the wall just outside the Silverine Vineyard James Women’s Health Clinic includes the uniform she retired in and the boots that were given to her when she first joined the Army.
Although it feels like a lifetime ago, James, 93, still remembers when she first joined the Army. Asked if she has any regrets about her time in service, she responded, “Not at all. I am overwhelmed. I gave my country the best part of my life and I’d gladly do it all over again.”
