Amparo was working as a clerk typist at Clark Air Base in the Philippines, her homeland, when she first met her future husband in 1948. Ronald “Bud” Waterman, who served in the Air Force’s criminal investigation division, became smitten with the attractive young lady behind the typewriter.
“Each day, I would come into my office and there would be a handwritten letter waiting there for me from Bud. That’s how he courted me for two years,” Amparo says with a sweet smile.
The couple would marry, move to the United States, and adopt two baby girls to raise. Told that she could never give birth to a child of her own due to medical reasons, Amparo and Bud had a huge surprise 18 years into their marriage: Amparo was pregnant!But the couple’s joy over the news was short-lived when doctors told them that there was a great chance that either Amparo or the baby would die from complications while giving birth. People of great faith, the couple prayed that God would watch over them — both mom and her baby daughter survived the delivery.
The family moved frequently as Bud was assigned to different bases across the country — from Hawaii to Colorado to Florida and more. Eventually, Amparo wanted more stability for her daughters and convinced Bud to build a modest home for them in Niceville, Florida. Just as the home was being constructed, Bud was commissioned to Southeast Asia. Amparo was left to care for their three daughters while also managing to oversee the many details involved in building and moving into a new home. But like most military wives, Amparo learned to become resilient and tackle any challenges that the family faced throughout her marriage.
After nearly 30 years of service to his country, Bud retired from the military. Soon after, he began teaching at the local high school and became very involved within the community. He and Amparo also began supporting Air Force Enlisted Village, which is located minutes away from where the Waterman family lived in Florida. Tragically, one day while making breakfast, Bud suffered a massive stroke and died later that same day in the hospital.
Now 92 years old (you’d never know it by looking at her!), Amparo continues to live independently at Bob Hope Village. Once an avid bowler and walker, a bad back now keeps her from being quite so active. But she is grateful for all of her blessings.
“The staff here is so wonderful. I tell everybody that they make us their priority. I often wonder what would I do if I was living alone? I have transportation, they carry groceries to my door and take me to doctor visits. I don’t think I’d be alive today if I hadn’t moved here.”
It’s because of your kindness that our residents like Amparo are so happy and well cared for! Adds Amparo, “I’m in a safe place where the staff members lift my spirits. I don’t take advantage of their goodness, I’m just grateful for their goodness. I thank God every single day before I go to sleep.”
If you feel inspired by Amparo's story, please make a gift to the Air Force Enlisted Village to provide a home for surviving spouses of retired enlisted military members HERE.
