“Writing is my heart, watching theatre is a joy and being able to merge the two is indeed a blessing I intend to bring to each and every review.” ~ Carla Wicks
Carla Wicks is a Vietnam‑era Veteran of the United States Air Force, where she served both stateside and at her final duty station on Andersen Air Force Base in Guam. Less than a year out of high school, she found herself in a foreign country with very few American women around her. Although the Vietnam War was winding down, the island still carried reminders of conflict — its dense jungle caves were known to shelter enemy soldiers who had remained hidden for years, some still armed. For her safety, Carla was instructed never to go sightseeing or hiking alone. The isolation was real, and at times deeply unsettling.
When she discovered she was pregnant and returned to the United States, she hoped for understanding. Instead, she was met with cruel comments, the loss of friendships, and the disdain that so many service members connected to Vietnam faced at the time. Those returning from the war — or supporting it from afar — were not welcomed home. The rejection was painful and personal, adding another layer of hardship to an already difficult season of her life.
Following her military service, Carla built a distinguished 40‑year career in dentistry, including 34 years as a Registered Dental Hygienist — a profession she continues today with excellence, compassion, and a deep commitment to patient care.
Carla is also a Gold Star Mother. In 1996, she lost her oldest son, Paul J. Stock III, U.S. Navy. Since 2017, she has been an active member of American Gold Star Mothers, Inc., serving at the local, state, and national levels. She currently serves as the AGSM National VAVS Representative and as Secretary/Treasurer for the AGSM North/West Texas Chapter.
Her volunteer work reflects a life devoted to honoring veterans and strengthening military families. She serves with the Fort Worth VA Clinic in Chaplain Services and with Roll Call of North Texas, where she founded the Female Veteran Meet‑Up during their monthly luncheon that draws more than 500 veterans. She escorts WWII and Korean War veterans to special events and has served as the “Missing Man Table” presenter for the Air Power Foundation’s annual Sky Ball Gala.
Each year, Carla supports the Holidays and Heroes outreach, assembling Thanksgiving food boxes with the Tarrant Area Food Bank for troops at NAS/JRB Fort Worth and assisting with the Christmas gift extravaganza held in an aircraft hangar on base.
Carla has been actively writing for more than thirty years. Her published work includes professional dental articles, blogs, anthologies, a stage play collaboration, and several books — including her novel Summer at Eagle Crest Drive, her award‑winning devotional That Still Small Whisper, and her Bible study What HE Said. She enjoys writing and leading small‑group Bible studies, where her faith and teaching gift shine.
Her creative life extends to community theater, where she has participated in more than 21 productions as an actress, director, and stage manager. She is also a certified Stephen Minister, offering one‑on‑one care to those in need, and has served in worship choirs and as a Lay Leader for the Walk to Emmaus three‑day retreat.
Professionally, Carla continues to work as a Registered Dental Hygienist while also serving as a seamstress for The Buckle and running her own sewing business, Sew What. She is part of the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA), onboarding new members and assisting with administrative tasks.
By Spring 2026, Carla will be a certified Oxygen Advantage trainer, opening her own practice to help individuals improve their health through proper breathing techniques. She is also completing certification with SAFE Project to become a Military Wellness Workshop Trainer, equipping veterans and those who support them to navigate the transition from military to civilian life. Her long‑term goal is to collaborate with Dr. Joel Bennett to develop a wellness program specifically for the Gold Star community.
Carla is passionate about fitness and participates in as many 5K–5‑mile races as she can, including the annual Tunnel to Towers 5K in October and the NAS/JRB 5‑miler in May.
Her love for administrative work, organization, and attention to detail has strengthened every role she has held — and continues to shape the roles she will hold in the future.
Carla is married to Ken and has called Fort Worth, Texas home for more than 27 years. She is the mother of four biological children, four stepchildren, one adopted granddaughter, thirteen grandchildren, and one great‑granddaughter — a family she cherishes deeply.
Background
- National VAVS Chair – Gold Star Mothers/Families (after the loss of her son, Paul J. “PJ” Stock III, U.S. Navy)
- Speaker at retreats, conferences, and podcasts
- Biblical education spanning 46+ years
- Community theater and sewing
Endnote
A Journey Shaped by Faith and Resilience
While stationed at Andersen Air Force Base on the northern end of Guam, Carla experienced a profound sense of isolation. Less than a year out of high school, she found herself in a foreign country with very few American women around her. Although the Vietnam War was winding down, soldiers still hid in the island’s caves, and for her safety she was instructed never to go sightseeing or hiking alone. It was a lonely, disorienting season — one that demanded resilience far beyond her years.
When Carla discovered she was pregnant and returned to the United States, she was met not with support but with cruelty, the loss of friendships, and the harsh judgment that so many service members connected to Vietnam faced at the time. Those returning from the war or its support operations were not welcomed home, and she carried the weight of that rejection alongside the challenges of young motherhood.
Carla has been a Christian for more than half her life, and her passion for God’s Word has shaped every chapter of her journey. She coupled her faith with a deep commitment to prayer, choosing openness and vulnerability as the path toward healing. Her biblical education spans forty‑six years and includes correspondence courses, Bible studies she has both written and led, conventions, retreats, conferences, and Pastoral and Stephen Ministry training.
She has devoted herself to lifelong learning — expanding her knowledge, maturing in her faith, and encouraging others to do the same. Through every hardship and every blessing, Carla has remained steadfast in her belief that God speaks into everyday life and that even the most painful experiences can be transformed into purpose.
Vietnam‑Era Service — Administrative Specialist, USAF
Carla Wicks served in the United States Air Force as an Administrative Specialist (AFSC 70230), a role essential to the daily functioning and readiness of every unit she supported. Her responsibilities included both classified and unclassified administrative work that ensured personnel accountability, unit efficiency, and mission continuity.
Role & Responsibilities
- Typing correspondence, reports, and official orders
- Maintaining personnel and administrative records
- Processing forms, files, and office documentation
- Supporting squadron and base‑level administrative operations
- Ensuring commanders, first sergeants, and section chiefs had the administrative readiness needed to lead effectively
Vietnam‑Era Context
Her service reflects the professionalism, precision, and quiet reliability that defined the Air Force’s administrative corps during this era. Though often behind the scenes, her role was indispensable to the success of the mission and the smooth operation of the Air Force’s global presence.
Carla served at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, one of the most critical Air Force hubs of the Vietnam War. The base sustained a relentless operational tempo, supporting:
- B‑52 “Arc Light” bombing missions over Southeast Asia
- KC‑135 tanker operations essential for long‑range strike capability
- High‑volume logistics, personnel movement, and mission coordination
Administrative specialists like Carla were indispensable to these operations. While aircrews executed missions, she ensured the organizational backbone remained strong — that orders were accurate, records were maintained, and the flow of information never faltered.
Her service reflects the often unseen but vital work that kept the Air Force mission moving during one of the most demanding periods of the Vietnam era.
What It Was Like for Women Serving on Guam During the Vietnam Era
A Small and Highly Visible Minority
- Women made up only a tiny fraction of the Air Force at the time, and even fewer were stationed overseas.
- On Guam, young enlisted women were often one of only a handful in their unit or workplace.
- This meant they were constantly visible — always noticed, always watched, always aware of being the minority in a male‑dominated environment.
Isolation on a Remote Island
- Guam was thousands of miles from the mainland, creating a deep sense of separation from home, family, and familiar support systems.
- Communication was slow, expensive, and limited — no internet, no cell phones, no easy way to stay connected.
- For a young woman barely out of high school, the emotional distance could feel overwhelming
A Beautiful but Intimidating Landscape
- The island was lush, tropical, and rugged — stunning but unfamiliar.
- Dense jungles, steep cliffs, and remote beaches made exploration risky.
- Japanese soldiers from WWII were still being discovered in the island’s caves, adding a layer of unease.
- Women were explicitly instructed not to go anywhere alone, especially off‑base.
Safety Concerns Unique to Women
- Being one of few women meant they had to be constantly aware of their surroundings.
- Walking alone, even on base, could feel unsafe.
- Off‑base travel required caution, companionship, and strict adherence to safety rules.
High‑Tempo Military Operations
- Andersen AFB was one of the busiest Air Force installations in the world during the Vietnam era.
- B‑52 bombers launched daily “Arc Light” missions; KC‑135 tankers refueled them mid‑air.
- The base never slept — engines roaring, crews rotating, paperwork flowing nonstop.
- Women in administrative roles were essential to keeping this machine running.
Pressure to Perform Perfectly
- Women often felt they had to work twice as hard to be taken seriously.
- Any mistake — real or perceived — could be judged more harshly than it would be for a male counterpart.
- Professionalism wasn’t just expected; it was scrutinized.
Limited Female Support Systems
- Few female mentors, leaders, or peers were available.
- Many women felt they had no one who truly understood their unique challenges.
- Loneliness was common, especially for those far from home for the first time.
Emotional Weight of a Controversial War
- The Vietnam War was emotionally heavy for everyone on base.
- Aircrews carried the burden of dangerous missions; support personnel carried the burden of keeping the mission moving.
- Women often absorbed the emotional strain of the men around them — grief, frustration, fear, and fatigue.
Quiet Strength and Resilience
- Despite the challenges, women like Carla developed remarkable resilience.
- They learned to navigate isolation, responsibility, and emotional hardship with grace.
- Their contributions were often unseen, but absolutely vital to the mission.
Healing, Growth, and Continuing Her Calling
Carla’s journey has included seasons of deep loss, personal hardship, and profound transformation. As part of her ongoing commitment to emotional and spiritual health, she has engaged in therapeutic treatment that has strengthened her resilience and deepened her understanding of grief, trauma, and healing. This work has not only supported her personally but has also equipped her to walk alongside others with greater compassion, insight, and grace.
Her experiences — as a Vietnam‑era veteran, a Gold Star Mother, a caregiver, a ministry leader, and a woman of enduring faith — have shaped her into a powerful advocate for wellness within the veteran, military, and Gold Star communities. Her treatment journey continues to inform her writing, her ministry, and her service, allowing her to speak with authenticity and authority about the hope, restoration, and purpose that can emerge even from life’s most difficult valleys.
Christian Author • Speaker
Carla Wicks is a Christian author whose writing is rooted in faith, prayer, resilience, and the transforming power of personal testimony. Her work weaves together more than four decades of biblical study with the lived experiences that have shaped her — as a veteran, a mother, and a woman who has walked through profound loss and emerged with a message of hope.
Her writing explores themes of deepening personal faith, cultivating a life of prayer, healing through vulnerability, and discovering purpose in seasons of hardship. She speaks directly to women, families, and those navigating grief, offering encouragement grounded in Scripture and strengthened by her own journey.
Carla’s background reflects a life of service and ministry. After the loss of her son, Paul J. “PJ” Stock III, U.S. Navy, she served as National VAVS Chair for Gold Star Mothers/Families, advocating for veterans and their loved ones. She has shared her story at retreats, conferences, and on podcasts, drawing from more than 46 years of biblical education. Her creative life also includes community theater and sewing, expressions of joy that continue to shape her voice.
Carla writes with openness and honesty, guided by a deep desire to help others find God’s presence in their own valleys. Her message is simple and steadfast: God speaks into everyday life, and even the hardest experiences can be redeemed for purpose.
American Gold Star Mother’s – Carla Wicks
Carla Wicks is a steadfast advocate whose life of service did not end with her military career—it deepened. After the loss of her son in 1996, Paul J. “PJ” Stock III, a U.S. Navy Aviation Structural Mechanic, Carla transformed her grief into purpose, dedicating herself to honoring veterans and supporting the families who walk the difficult road of sacrifice.
With courage and grace, she shares her story through public speaking, community outreach, and veteran advocacy, offering strength to those who have endured similar loss. Her voice carries both remembrance and hope, ensuring that the legacy of fallen service members is never forgotten.
Carla’s unwavering commitment reflects the enduring values of American Gold Star Mothers: Service, Remembrance, Resilience, and Love—a living testament to the bond between a mother’s heart and her child’s sacrifice.
A Mother’s Enduring Tribute
Carla honors Paul’s memory through her steadfast support of veterans, her advocacy for military families, and her willingness to speak openly about service, sacrifice, and the journey of a Gold Star mother. She remains deeply involved in community remembrance events, ensuring that fallen heroes are recognized with the reverence they deserve. In every effort, she upholds the legacy of her son’s commitment to country, carrying forward the values he lived by.
Their stories are forever linked — a sailor’s faithful service and a mother’s enduring love, bound together in remembrance and resilience.
Legacy
Carla Wicks’ legacy is one of strength, service, and unwavering love. A United States Air Force veteran, she lived a life shaped by discipline, faith, and a deep commitment to others long before she became a Gold Star Mother. But it was the loss of her son, Paul J. “PJ” Stock III, that transformed her path and gave her life’s work a new and profound purpose.
In the years that followed, Carla chose courage over silence. She became a voice for Gold Star families, a source of comfort for grieving parents, and an advocate for veterans whose sacrifices often go unseen. Through her writing, speaking, and ministry, she turned her own heartbreak into a beacon of hope — proof that even the deepest wounds can become a testimony of resilience.
As an author, she shares stories of faith, healing, and the quiet ways God speaks into a broken heart. As a mother, she carries PJ’s memory forward with grace and determination. And as a veteran, she continues to serve her country by lifting up those who have borne the cost of freedom.
Carla Wicks’ legacy endures in every life she has touched — in the families she has comforted, the veterans she has honored, and the generations who will know PJ’s name because she refused to let his story fade. Her life stands as a testament to love that endures, faith that sustains, and service that never ends.
For her family and community, Carla leaves a legacy of strength, compassion, and purpose.
She is a woman who has walked through the hardest valleys and emerged with a mission to help others find their way. Her life stands as a testament to resilience, to the power of storytelling, and to the enduring love of a mother who continues to honor her son by lifting others.
At the center of Carla’s life is her husband, Ken, the man who has stood beside her through every joy and every sorrow. Their marriage is a partnership built on faith, loyalty, and shared purpose. Together, they have called Fort Worth, Texas home for more than 27 years, building a life rooted in community, service, and steadfast love. Ken has been her encouragement, her steady place, and her companion in the work of honoring their son and supporting others.
Carla is the proud mother of four biological children, four stepchildren, and one adopted granddaughter — each one held close to her heart. Her family continues to grow, now including thirteen grandchildren and one great‑granddaughter all of whom carry forward her strength, her compassion, and her spirit. Her family is her heart — the living legacy of her love, her faith, and her unwavering commitment to those she holds dear.