 Instead, she focused on the music and on how the band sounded, gaining respect from all who played with her.In 1941, Gilbert began to work for Local 47 where she helped the union operate the Hollywood Canteen as a place to entertain troops, host blood drives, sell war bonds, help place male musicians into military bands, and more.Gilbert's band also began playing as The Victory Belles on a radio show geared toward servicemen.