The misconception that the important work of military veterans has to come from macho male figures doesn’t fit the unique qualities possessed by Plattsburg’s Charnette Norton.

Her expertise and earned reputation as a respected, can-do management dietitian led her, at the age of 60, to Bosnia during the war, where she provided NATO troops with essential medical care. While most women and men were busy with domestic chores, Norton was wearing her Army Reserve uniform and packing a 9mm handgun by her side.

The gun wasn’t for decoration, either; Norton earned an expert rating with the M16 rifle.

“Our unit was under the command of a Pennsylvania National Guard unit, and included a Danish army ambulance unit in Tuzla, Bosnia,” she said. “It was a gorgeous country, and as you traveled along, there would be houses blown up. They turned on the natural gas and lit a candle and it destroyed the house and the inhabitants. It was reported that saved on bullets.