LEGACY VILLAGE OF JACKSONVILLE SHARES THE HERITAGE OF TWO RESIDENTS TO CELEBRATE WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

Jacksonville, Ala. (March 2024) — Women’s History Month has been observed in the United States for over 35 years. It has been fundamental in recognizing women’s rights and the historical transformation of women’s rights in America. Never will you find women with such rich wisdom, experience, vibrancy and contribution as those living out their Golden Years at a senior living community. Such is the case at Legacy Village of Jacksonville, who wish to honor and share the stories of two of their beloved residents: Hazel Tomkowski and Mary Ann Hitt.

Hazel Tomkowski served in the military for 17.5 years, beginning with the U.S. Navy. Ms. Tomkowski completed her naval basic training at Fort McClellan in Anniston, Alabama. She served four years with the Navy, three of which were at Ford Island, Hawaii. From there, she served at the Pentagon as an Army Cartographer Specialist for the Chief of Staff. She spent 8-9 years drawing and scribing topographic, hydrographic and other features on drawings, transparent overlays and scribing surfaces. She also worked on revising planimetric and topographic maps and performed as a director supervisor. Due to her Military Occupational Specialties, Tomkowski was limited to the stateside bases for her military career. Hazel left the military after her husband, John, who served in the U.S. Air Force, unexpectedly passed away. When she left the military, she had reached an E7 rank. 

Mary Ann Hitt also joined the military after working ten years as a social worker for the State of Florida’s Welfare Department. Ms. Hitt’s first assignment was in France as the Social Club Director. She lived and worked on the base while she was stationed in France, but took every opportunity to collect her friends and drive to the neighboring countries in her blue Volkswagon. She loved every minute of it, but it was cut short when in March 1966, President de Gaulle removed all French armed forces from NATO control and the U.S. was ordered to leave France. Ms. Hitt’s was then assigned to Special Services and was tasked to pack up and clear out everything as the U.S. Army base and return stateside.  

Ms. Hitt returned to her hometown of Anniston, Alabama and acquired a Service Club Director position at Fort McClellan. She served Fort McClellan for ten years, until the decision was made to decommission the base under the Base Realignment and Closure Act.  

Ms. Tomkowski and Ms. Hitt are just two of the many amazing women at Legacy Village of Jacksonville whose legacies have touched the lives of many.  

“My mission in life is not merely to survive but to thrive and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” - Maya Angelo