amity study club

The Amity Study Club held its regular November meeting in the home of Donna Gail Hanner, with Angie Roark, Teresa Crow, and Jan Hamilton serving as co-hostesses.

Continuing this year’s theme, “Together We Can Make an Impact,” with a focus on Women in Action, the evening’s Civic Engagement and Outreach program: “Breaking Barriers: Women in the Armed Forces” was presented by Nora Prestinari.

Born in New York City, Prestinari joined the U.S. Army after meeting with a recruiter who encouraged her to pursue her passion for physical therapy through military service. She quickly fell in love with her work during stateside assignments at Valley Forge and Fort Knox.

In 1971, she was selected to deploy to Vietnam—a chapter she described as “both her best and worst assignment.” There, she transitioned from treating patients with routine military injuries to caring for those suffering from traumatic limb loss and severe burns. During her presentation, Prestinari shared memories of her service: some horrific, some lighthearted, and some filled with hope.

Returning home proved more difficult than she anticipated. Instead of a warm welcome, she was met with harsh words, sneers, and even being spat upon from fellow Americans who opposed the war. She later sought help from a psychiatrist and turned to writing poetry to cope with the emotional toll of her experiences. She noted that many veterans never receive the support they need due to shame or the misconception that PTSD is a weakness. Prestinari medically retired in 1978 at Fort Polk. Trading the rank of Captain for the title of Mrs. Prestinari as she transitioned to a new career as an eighth-grade schoolteacher due to finding civilian physical therapy too limiting compared to her military work.

Now a Cass County resident, Prestinari looks back fondly on her service and continues to share her story, so we never forget the price paid by our Veterans so we can live in freedom. Her published works are available at the Atlanta Public Library.

Following the program, President Teresa Crow called the regular business meeting to order. Vice President Jan Hamilton led members in reciting the GFWC Club Collect. Minutes from the previous meeting and the Treasurer’s Report were approved before Federation Counselor Kim Miller provided updates on the upcoming Christmas Party and 65th Anniversary Celebration. Hamilton also reminded members to support one of the club’s chosen projects, Wreaths Across America.

Before adjourning, Angie Roark led members in a lively round of Name That Tune, featuring the theme songs of various military branches.