85-Year-Old Seattle Woman Recruited By Marines

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By By Bryan Johnson

Summary

In an apparent mix-up, Barbara Mercer got a letter from the Marines asking her to join up for her Arabic skills, which she doesn't speak anyway.

Story Published: Oct 13, 2005 at 2:30 PM PDT

Story Updated: Aug 31, 2006 at 2:06 AM PDT

85-Year-Old Seattle Woman Recruited By Marines
SEATTLE - A Seattle woman who has been an anti-war crusader for the peace for the past 58 years is being recruited by the Marines.

It is apparently all a mistake.

Barbara "Bobbie" Mercer got a letter from General W.E. Gaskin, the commanding general of Marine Corps recruiting.

It says: "Now is the time to put your unique language skills to the test as a member of the United States Marine Corps. Your command of the Arabic language will be invaluable..."

The letter came to the Mercer home on Capitol Hill late last month. It's a home where the password is peace and peace messages are on display.

"He wanted to recruit me for my skill in the Arabic language," she said. "I don't speak Arabic. I learned a little French but my accent is terrible."

The general thought she did. He urged Mercer to seize the opportunity to defend our nation and spread the message of freedom.

Her reaction: "Well, I just thought they were pretty desperate for wanting an 85-year-old."

Yes, she's 85, and participated in her first picketing in 1947 -- a march against the draft.

The Marine Corps admits this was all a mistake. They are looking for a few good men and women. Young men and women. They do have a delayed entry program, but that's for those who want to graduate before serving.

It's not for 85-year-olds.

The letter goes on to say: "We'll push your physical and mental limits beyond anything you've ever known." When that's read aloud, she laughs.

"Did that intrigue you?" I asked. She replied: "No". Her husband Lyle added: "She just came back from senior aerobics, Bryan. That's all she needs!" To which she added: "I was pushed to the limit there."

Incidentally, although the Mercers have marched in peace rallies since 1947, they are not pacifists. They saw the horrors of war.

Lyle was a paratrooper in World War II. Bobbie was an Air Corps nurse who flew with the wounded from Europe to the United States. They met while both were lieutenants in the Air Corps.

Lyle Mercer said of his reaction to the letter: "My first reaction was there must be some sort kind of another huge Bush goof-up to be recruiting an old, retired veteran." He quickly corrected the reference to "old" with the word mature. He and his wife both laughed.

They both say they are too old for war, but they are always ready for peace rallies. The last one they attended was a rally for peace in Iraq on Sept. 24,that was just one day before their 60th wedding anniversary.