In 1945, Adele, with the energetic support of her family, joins the U.S. Marine Corps, as part of the large influx of women in the military, with the goal to “free a marine to fight”. Adele is particularly fond of the Marine uniforms, which leads her away from the more traditional Women’s Reserves. While in active duty for only a year, Adele forms lifelong friendships, and meets her husband who stays in active duty for 28 more years, giving Adele a full experience of life with the Marines. More than 70 years later, Adele questions why some of her friends have passed on before her. When her minister advises her about these feelings, Adele must confront the idea that she is still needed.