Mickey Coleman was born on December 28, 1942 in St. Joseph’s Hospital in Alliance. Her parents were Ernie and Dorothy Coleman. She has one younger brother Dennis.
She was a member of the GAA (Girls Athletic Association) which was a school organization. Girls did not travel to sports at that time, but on a “fun” day, the female students would travel to different schools to mix with other students to play games. One of the teachers that Mickey remembers sponsoring the GAA was Nona Roten. She and her husband would be remembered by members of the Alliance Baptist Church where they were members. Mickey still has the letter A, that was given in recognition of membership for four years. Mickey was also in Choir, Pep Club, and Y Teens. She graduated from Alliance high School in 1961.
Her dream was to be a Veterinarian. She got into the Army in a roundabout way. The Marine Recruiter visited her home. She already had a scholarship to Nebraska Wesleyan but the recruiter told her she could obtain a doctor’s degree while in the military. Micky traveled to Denver to sign up. She flunked the physical because at the height of five feet and the weight of 93 pounds, she was considered too small to join the Marines. The Marines kept her in a posh hotel for a week and told her to eat and rest and see if she could gain some weight to get her in. Mickey ended up losing almost a pound during that week. The Marines directed her to the Army, thinking she might be able to pass their physical.
The Army at that time had a Women’s Army Corp (WAC) It was segregated from the men’s Army. After basic training, the men and women were allowed to work together (AIT), Advanced Individual Training test, placed them in a job. Mickey’s testing showed her biggest strength would be in the signal corps. She was able to easily memorize codes she heard and transcribe them readily. She was sent to Ft. Gordon, Georgia to train with the Signal Corps. After her training, She became a permanent party assigned to FT. Gordon.
Her duties included interpreting messages sent in Morse Code. She received the message, interpreted it, typed it out and then sent it on. She also performed teletype for various individuals who needed messages sent. Since the country was not considered at war during that time, the job was somewhat quiet while Mickey served. (Vietnam was considered at a police action)
Mickey found many ways to serve her fellow soldier as well as being one. She joined the Chapel Choir and belonged to the Protestant Women of the Chapel. Which is similar to most church women’s groups. She also became a member of the Dependent Youth Association. The group served as a basis for involving the youth of the base in activities such as drama and choir.
While enlisted, Mickey was a volunteer for the Girl Scouts for 40 years, holding every position in the leadership. Mickey still believe in the mission and program of the organization.
Mickey did a lot of volunteer work at the Fort’s Service Club. Spending most of her time, checking out books, games, musical instruments etc to the soldiers. Three of the men working there would escort Mickey back to her barracks once the Club closed.
There was a guy that kept hanging out around the Service Club that Mickey had noticed but definitely didn’t want anything to do with. He looked like a broom stick with black hair. He wanted to meet her. He was introduced to Mickey and had a cup of coffee with him. That introduction led to her marriage to Gene Aruffo on November 11, 1962.
They were married at the Military Chapel at Ft. Gordon. While saddened family was unable to attend, but was surprised to find Gene’s Military Band mates in their dress blues outside, playing the theme to Dragnet.
During the summer, the army had a camp for military kids near Ft. Gordon. Micky worked there basically as a lifeguard, water ski instructor, and swimming instructor.
Gene would come up on the weekends to visit. He was headed overseas to Orleans, France. He had already reenlisted. Mickey was interested in following him to Orleans which was the signal corps headquarters in Europe at that time. After several attempts by her General to get her transferred to Orleans, a different decision had to be made.
Mickey made the decision not to reenlist. On February 15,1963, Mickey was Honorably Discharged and became a military wife. She followed her husbands to Orleans, France and was eventually able to secure an apartment there. Her oldest daughter, Lena, was born in France in a military hospital in 1964. It was important to her parents that she was born in a US military hospital so she was considered a US citizen.
Mickey remained in France until late 1964 when Gene was transferred back to the US to Ft. Belvoir in Virginia. Larry, Tony and Wendy were all born there.
While in Ft. Belvoir, Mickey became involved with the Boy Scouts. She appreciated the scout programs because of the ideals they taught.
Mickey was also involved with the Army Community Services. This organization would supply needed house supplies to new families that had just moved into various camps.
The program included a welcome committee to include a map of the base and information as to where to find things they would need. She also was involved in the English Second Language course. Beginning at Ft. Belvoir and continuing after her move back to Alliance.
Mickey joined the Ft. Belvoir Chapel Choir, and two weeks later became the new Choir Director. The Chaplain asked her if she would start a hand bell choir. She said yes and they went to Washington DC to take lessons. Her interest in hand bells is still current, marking 56 year, as she says, “a ding-a-ling.”
Other places that Mickey helped included Ft. Lenardwood, Missouri, Ft. Dix, New Jersey; and Nuremberg, Germany. When her husband retired in 1981 the family moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In 1985 They returned to her hometown, Alliance in 1988, Mickey and Gene belonged to the Church and Society Committee with the United Methodist Church. The committee decided that assistance was needed and formed an organization called “Just Neighbors.” It proved to be very helpful through the years that the Aruffo’s were involved. They worked together until Gene’s death in 2017.
Mickey has continued her volunteer work in the Methodist church, Methodist women, Hand bells, The mission committee, and recently retired from the Choir. She also volunteers for the gift shop at the Box Butte General Hospital.
When asked what Mickey is the most proud of in her life. She instantly said “her kids.” She feels that they are very special and a part of her.