Kristen Gadeken Davis

Profile Updated: June 12, 2009
Kristen Gadeken
Address: Pullman, WA USA
Spouse/Partner: Robert
Occupation: Library Technician
Military Service: Washington Air National Guard  
Yes! Attending Reunion
Share your military experiences:

I enjoyed my monthly weekends and 2 week annual training in the Air National Guard. It was completely different from my regular work and provided me with a way to see other places of this country. I belonged to a civil engineering unit, that was worldwide deployable so unlike other guard units that did their 2 week training close to home, my unit often was sent to other air force bases. We were the ones that would go in to build the air fields or other construction if we were deployed, so our training was often going somewhere and working construction. We were in Hawaii @ Higgins Air Force Base when I had the accident that made mush of part of my knee joint, with a spiral fracture of my lower leg. The doctors took a graft from my hip to rebuild my knee, but in the end I had nerve and muscle damage to my foot and ankle as well as a knee that needs replacing at this point in my life.

Current interests, hobbies, passions:

I still read a great deal. I enjoy window shopping antiques & collectible stores, swimming and just spending time with my husband and cats.

Whatcha been doin' since '69:

Went to Eastern Washington College & earned a BA in Anthropology & a BA in Psychology with a minor in art. Taught swimming and worked as a life guard during my college years. Joined the Air National Guard. Worked for the Guard as a civilian as a glorified secretary. Married in 1975 & lived in Walla Walla. Taught swimming part time. Moved back to Spokane in 1978, was injured in an accident while on 2 week active duty in Air National Guard in 1979. Retired from guard. Went back to community college & earned AAS degree in Library Tech school (something I could use to earn a living with). Worked for Kaiser Aluminum in their small library. Worked at alternative school library in Spokane & then interviewed & got work at WSU in Pullman in 1983. I have been working in WSU's Holland Library, Technical Services ever since.

Funniest Mead memory:

The way most of the teachers fumbled my name the first time they tried it, but I also knew I didn't have it as bad as my younger sister. They'd come to her name and more or less just stop and she'd raise her hand and say she's here. Arceil Gadeken is a mouthful. I also remember some of the antics we'd get up to in the choir with Mr. Fink and trying to dance with too many people in a small space.

What's your biggest regret from your years at Mead High School?

That I wasn't more involved and that I didn't study harder for better grades.

Teacher who made the greatest impact on you.

Eugene Fink and Mrs Kite. Both of these showed me possibilities that I otherwise wouldn't have seen. Mr. Fink left me with an enjoyment of music that has lasted. Mrs Kite gave me painting and art.





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