Soldiers Widow... Soldiers Wife... Soldiers Mother...

About the Book

“A powerful and honest memoir by an indomitable woman and an extraordinary Army wife. The traumatic experience of losing her first husband to the Vietnam War, followed by a horrible betrayal, should have broken her spirit. Instead, she showed exceptional resilience and made the decision to love another soldier, the heroic Roger Donlon, and embrace the Army life once again, wherever it led them. We can all learn lessons from Norma Donlon in grace, courage and love.”
—Hollister (Holly) K. Petraeus
Military Advocate, Army Daughter, Sister, Wife and Mother

“Norma’s remarkable story of service to her family and country is one that everyone can learn from. A dedicated Gold Star Wife, Army wife and mother, Norma’s story of resilience and dedication will remain with you long after reading. How lucky are we to hear her story in her own words. We hope that when you read this book, you share Norma’s example of service with the children in your life so they can be inspired too.”
—Karen Worcester, Executive Director
Wreaths Across America

“What a privilege and honor to endorse Norma Donlon’s book about her Soldiers. Norma knows what sacrifice and service is all about. Having served our Army for 43 years, I have come to admire and respect the sacrifice of our Army spouses and the sacrifice of our mothers. Having known Norma for many years, her story is filled with humility, honor, service, and love. I fully endorse Norma’s story and strongly recommend it to all men and women in the Army, as well as to their serving spouses and children.”
—Robert Caslen, USMA 1975
LTG, US Army (Retired)
Former commander as a LTC of the 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry (1993-1995)
Former commander as a MG of the 25th Infantry Division (2008-2010)

This story is about coping with loss and finding love again... with two Army heroes who both served our country with distinction. It is a compelling account of 2 brothers who served during wartime... through a mothers eyes you will come to understand how it feels to have a child dedicated to serving our country... love, pride, and fear.

About the Author

NORMA SHINNO IRVING DONLON Soldiers Widow… Soldiers Wife… Soldiers Mother… Loving and Devoted Grandmother & Great Grandmother Norma Donlon is an American of Japanese ancestry who was born in the Camp Jerome War Relocation Center in Denson, Arkansas during WWII. She was raised in New York, Michigan and California. At the age of 7, Norma lost her hearing due to a high fever that destroyed the nerves in her ears when she had measles. Learning to lip read she made the most of her circumstances and continued with her education and work goals. Her professional background is that of an Executive Assistant and Special Events Director. She has devoted her entire life to “people business” with her focus on the welfare of children. Mrs. Donlon attended El Camino and Pierce College in California. While at El Camino College she was selected as an El Camette, a highly sought-after drill-team, dance group who performed at home games for the Los Angeles Rams football team. Mrs. Donlon’s first husband, U.S. Army Ranger 1st Lt. John W. Irving, Jr. was killed in action in Vietnam, making her a Soldiers Widow and “Gold Star Wife” at age 22. He was the first officer casualty from the 25th Infantry Division during the Vietnam War. Four years later Norma married again… another career U.S. Army Special Forces Soldier… Roger Donlon. As a Soldier’s wife Mrs. Donlon moved 16 times in 20 years including 3 overseas assignments to Thailand, Panama and Japan. Always involved in her community she was a tireless advocate for Soldiers and their families and successfully combined her commitment to her own family of four sons with her responsibilities as a leader in church, school, Scouting and Officers’ Wives Club activities in a multi-national setting. Notable among her many achievements: her work with the Abandoned Children’s Ward in Bangkok, Thailand; serving as the Chairperson of the Board of Governors for the Ft. Gulick Panama Pre-School; and being the Chairperson and Editor for the “Centennial Belle” a cookbook published in the spring of 1981 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Command and General Staff College (CGSC) at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas. Mrs. Donlon has held every position in Cub Scouts from Den Mother to Chairman of the Pack! All of her sons achieved the Arrow of Light Award, the highest in Cub Scouting. In 1988 she was awarded the Department of the Army “Outstanding Civilian Service Medal” for her work as a consummate and caring community person, active with charitable, service and civic endeavors throughout Army communities world-wide. Since her husband’s retirement from the Army, Mrs. Donlon has served as the Kansas State Representative for Japanese American Redress Issues, is the Kansas contact for the Japanese American Historical Society and gives speeches seeking to educate people on the history of Americans of Japanese ancestry. She has also served as President, 1st VP, 2nd VP and Secretary of the Whittier Club, one of the oldest literary clubs in Kansas. For representing the state of Kansas, Colonel and Mrs. Donlon were recognized with the American Century Award in 2000 presented by the Washington Times Foundation. In 2012, Mrs. Donlon was awarded the “Shield of Sparta” Heroine of the Infantry by the National Infantry Association for her significant contributions to the Infantry. For her selfless ideals, true patriotism, commitment and courage to send her Soldier into harm’s way. Colonel and Mrs. Donlon sponsored International Officer Students attending the CGSC at Ft. Leavenworth, KS for 25 years. They were recognized with the Commanders Award for public service for their dedication in 2013. Mrs. Donlon is the 7th woman recognized by the National Special Forces Association with an Honorary Membership in April of 2017 for her 50 years of support to SF Soldiers and communities. In December 2017, Colonel and Mrs. Donlon served as Co-Grand Marshalls of the Wreaths Across America Convoy from Harrington, ME to Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) taking nearly 300,000 wreaths to place on every headstone at ANC. With 25 stops at schools, Veterans organizations, Firehouses and Police Stations, they spoke to crowds on the importance of Remembering our Fallen… Honoring all our Veterans… and Teaching our next generation about freedom and patriotism. In February of 2018, Mrs. Donlon was appointed a Wreaths Across America Ambassador. In Tokyo, Japan on August 21, 2018, General Koji Yamazaki, Chief of Staff of the Japan Ground Self Defense Force (JGSDF) ordered the Defense Cooperation Award with Shield be presented to Colonel and Mrs. Donlon for their more than 20 years of distinguished and meritorious service. In recognition of their long-term and warm-hearted commitment in support of JGSDF Officer Students at the CGSC (the future leaders of tomorrow) and Japanese Liaison Officers assigned to the Combined Army Center at Ft. Leavenworth, KS. The Special Forces Charitable Trust presented Mrs. Donlon with the 2018 Martha Raye Award for her 50 years of significant contributions to the Special Forces Community and unwavering support for SF Soldiers and their families. On February 18, 2019, Mrs. Donlon gave a speech to the Leadership Group at Benedictine College in Atchison, KS. Her topic was “Leadership and Vision” An American Family of Japanese Ancestry and shared about her family and the Internment of Americans of Japanese ancestry during WWII. In August 2020, Mrs. Donlon was the Women’s Equality Day “Virtual” speaker for the Army Futures Command. During “Women’s History Month” in March of 2021 Mrs. Donlon gave a “Virtual” speech to the U.S. Air Force Reserve Command to celebrate the strength, courage and diversity of American women. In September of 2022 Mrs. Donlon was the keynote speaker for the Gold Star Family Luncheon at the Special Forces National Convention in Colorado Springs, CO. March of 2023 Mrs. Donlon was the keynote speaker at The Greater Kansas City Chapter of the Association of the United States Army luncheon in celebration of “Women’s History Month.” The Greater Kansas City Council Navy League of the United States invited Mrs. Donlon to be the speaker for the Asian American Pacific Island Luncheon Celebration in May of 2023. On January 30, 2024, The Special Forces Charitable Trust announced the creation of the “Norma Donlon Care Provider Program” which will provide one-time grants to help SF Soldiers and their families. In March of 2024 Mrs. Donlon spoke to the Mission Hills, KS DAR Chapter with the focus on the Vietnam War. Telling the stories of how the Vietnam War affected women, both those who served and those on the home front. This resulted in her being nominated for and approved to receive their most prestigious recognition, the National DAR Medal of Honor Award which will be presented to her in June of 2025. Married to Roger Donlon on November 9, 1968, in Colorado Springs, CO. After a 12-year battle with Agent Orange Parkinsons Disease, Roger passed away on January 25, 2024. The Donlon’s have 5 children, 6 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren! Norma is passionate about her family… her faith… and our freedom!