Air Force Women Officers Associated

Web Site: www.afwoa.org President: Pat Murphy, Colonel, USAF Retired

JUNE 2006

From Pat’s Pen As you can tell from the pictures, we had a wonderful reunion in San Antonio. The hotel staff did a great job and all our guest speakers were terrific. The parade at Lackland brought tears to many eyes. We had a chance to visit and lunch at the Air Force Village, thanks to the help of Diane Batchelder and many other AFV residents. I want to thank everyone who helped with the reunion for their hard work: Carol Habgood, who chaired the committee; Patsy Hughes; Bev LaFond, Karen Rankin; Marianne Rogers; and Wanda Seals.

My special thanks to Ellen who has become our newsletter editor. We are testing sending a newsletter every other month. We're interested in your comments on content and frequency. Let us know what you've been doing. We're looking forward to hearing from you. Pat

			AFWOA Conference & Reunion April 21-23 2006 San Antonio TX Announcements from the Reunion… The AFWOA newsletter will be published every other month. It will include not only pertinent military news received from MOAA, Veterans Affairs, Tricare, etc., but also personal news of members to keep membership better connected and outreach to active duty members.
Associate Members: Marian Purswell (sister of member Pat Moesker) was formally recognized as an Associate Member.	Polo and tee shirts from former reunions were given out.	AFWOA Membership to Include Nurses: Pat will send them a letter issuing an invitation. Air Force Cadet Mentor Action Program (AFCOMAP): Pat told the members of the recent request to AFWOA from the Bessie Coleman Chapter of the AFCOMAP, which supports ROTC cadets in the D.C. area. AFCOMAP promotes professional and leadership development of Air Force officers and assist cadets as they transition into active duty. Officially recognized as a nonprofit organization in 1989, it initially focused on minority officer development and recruitment. AFWOA support of AFCOMAP had previously been discussed by the board; they agreed that support would only be for a female cadet. Welda moved and Diane seconded that AFWOA’s involvement be pursued by the board.

Friday Parade Notes: Mary Tener Hall and Roz Knapp had talked with Colonel Gina Grosso, Commander, Lackland's 737th Training Group at the BMT parade that was attended by most reunion attendees. She told them she had never heard of AFWOA. It was agreed more emphasis needs to be placed on letting active duty female officers know about AFWOA. AFWOA Members on various military related boards: Roz Knapp is our representative to The Military Coalition (TMC) and serves on the Veterans’ Committee. Additionally, Ann Farrer attended some of the meetings. They do an outstanding job. It was noted that Karen Rankin has been on the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) board of directors for the last six years. All who are members of MOAA are asked to vote for any woman who might be on the ballot.

Future Reunions: The brunch attendees agreed they did want to have future reunions, every two years. Pat noted the board had previously discussed the possibility of hiring “Reunion Brat” or a similar company to organize such. Members were informed that such companies usually charge an “arrangement” fee of approximately $15 per person. Some of the recommended locations were: Boston, Annapolis, Savannah, Key West, New Orleans, Albuquerque (early winter or early fall), Napa Valley, Sun Valley Idaho (summer), and Portland Oregon. Another consideration was a 3-5 day cruise. Patsy informed the group of this type reunion. There is usually a Veterans cruise in November and it might be possible to be part of this group. Most cruises cost about $100 per day (does not include air fare and some other cruise related expenses such as tips and day excursions). Departure locations to be considered included Ft Lauderdale/Miami, Galveston, and San Diego, and Norfolk/New York City. Patsy noted that Celebrity, Princess, and Holland American cater to non-young clients. It was agreed that the next reunion would probably be in 2008. The Executive Board will look into the various options and keep the membership informed. Roz Knapp challenged everyone to bring another to the next reunion.

Ann Farrer & Roz Knapp

Reunion Speakers: It was agreed by all that our three guest speakers were outstanding and informative. Colonel Lisa Firmin, Deputy Director of Manpower and Personnel at HQ Air Education and Training Command was a speaker at one of the Saturday morning seminars. Most attending her edge-of-chair presentation were able to try on her 30-pound flak jacket that she had worn during her tour in Iraq. Jim Sampson of the Texas Veterans Commission spoke of the various VA programs available to veterans at his seminar presentation. At the Saturday night banquet. Brig Gen K. C. McClain told of the much politicalized job Commander, Joint Task Force Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, Washington, D.C during the last 18 or so months.	Colonel Lisa Firmin		Gina McGuiness	Jim Sampson BG KC McClain
Reunion Feedback
From Sully: Carol Habgood, the Hospitality Ladies, and “Pat Herself” arranged and conducted an informative and grand time for all. Thank you Sincerely! From Mary Abbott: It was wonderful! She especially enjoyed Friday evening—it was fun and informal. She wishes more people would come to the Reunions!		Mary Todd loved meeting and greeting her “old” friends, and loved finding out what they've been doing. Mary was sorry to have missed the Sunday Brunch Business Meeting, but she had to drive her daughter, Kristy, to Las Cruces, NM. (Kristy will attend NM State University for a Masters' in Fine Arts.)

News from our Members

Carol Maske, who retired from the Air Force in August 1992, lives in San Antonio. In the Air Force, she was a Behavioral Scientist, and she worked in the Survey Branch at (then) AFMPC. She is now “completely retired”, and enjoys hobbies such as genealogy and quilting. Carol says that her researcher background has really helped her with her Family Tree research, and she has traced one of her branches all the way back to the Crusades.

Carol is best friends with Mary Daley. Mary is still on active duty, and she teaches Behavioral Science and Leadership Psychology at USAFA, where she has been assigned for the past 2½ years. Mary was an “Eighty’s Lady” – in the first year of women USAFA graduates. Mary enjoys hobbies such as reading and bicycling. Upcoming is a ½ Marathon walk in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.

Kerry Lawson is fully enjoying retirement in Schuylerville, New York, which is about 40 miles north of Albany. In the Air Force, she was a Communications Officer, and her favorite assignments were at Lackland AFB TX, and Loring AFB ME. She retired in 1994. Her husband, Bruce, was also in the Air Force; he separated in 1984. Kerry and Bruce just returned from Annapolis, where their son, Christopher, graduated from the US Naval Academy. Christopher will be going on to Pensacola, where he will enter training for Naval Aviation. Kerry enjoys crocheting and church projects. She also is active in a National Cemetery Honor Guard Group, for which she ensures that veterans are buried with full honors.

Katherine Humm Mull sends greetings from Winchester VA, and was sorry to have missed the Reunion. She especially missed the parade at Lackland. Katherine remembers when she and Norma Breedlove paraded “their” 3743^rd WAF Training Squadron at Lackland when they were stationed there. Kate was recognized in March by her local newspaper, The Winchester Star, for her volunteer work. Kate has worked four days a week at the Winchester Medical Center for almost 25 years.
Last year, Mull was honored by the hospital for contributing 22,000 hours of service. Kate is a grandmother; she and her husband had retired to the Winchester area from Alexandria. Kate was formerly an Air Force Intelligence Officer, who became a civilian Intelligence Operations Specialist after her marriage. Mull calls herself a jack-of-all-trades, when it comes to hospital work. She answers questions and supplies information when the full-time staff members have an overflow. She will find a wheel chair and get patients to their appointments in the various labs. She’ll deliver mail, flowers, and newspapers. And, always with a friendly smile.
When she’s not at the hospital or giving time to her church, Mull likes to go bowling. Well maybe bowling could count as a career too. It has served her well. She notes that she met her husband at a bowling alley while stationed in Germany. He objected to a woman on the team, and she “skunked him,” at their first match. In fact, in 1960, Mull had the highest score for women bowlers in the country, a 749 series. See full article at: http://www.winchesterstar.com/TheWinchesterStar/060313/Area_volunteer.asp

Eleanor Skinner was finally able to move back into her home in Port Charlotte FL. They had to evacuate after Hurricane Charley Aug 13 2004, and they weren’t able to move back in until June 23, 2005. She says she is still trying to catch up from all of the things in her life that were disrupted during that time. Eleanor also regretted not being able to make it to the Reunion.

Dottie Moses: Pat spoke with Dottie, formerly active member now with health issues. Dottie said she’s fine. Diane Ordes visited with her after the reunion. We will continue to check on Dottie.

Vivian Scott finds herself to be very busy in her home in Iowa. She is currently trying to find a publisher for the three completed, humorous sequels to her first book, The Lipstick Explosion, written about WAAC Basic Training in 1942 at Fort Des Moines. She is also recovering from the effects of a pinched nerve in her back, and reports that she receives wonderful medical care in the VA Hospital in Des Moines.

Joanne Veverka-Tauber reports that she is active as a board member of her local MOAA Chapter, near Tampa FL. She is doing pretty well as she is recovering from chemotherapy for breast cancer that was discovered last fall. She has a brand new puppy, Soufflé Rouge; he routinely attacks Joanne’s hands and toes! Joanne served 35 years in the Air Force from 1952-1987, and one of her favorite assignments was in Special Ops at Hurlburt, even though she was away from home for more than 200 days each year. Sadly, her husband, Bern, passed away two years ago. Joanne said to say hi to Pat Murphy, and wanted her to know that she was in the same SOS class.

Bridgett Duggan is home from the hospital and doing okay, but she has lung cancer and will be undergoing treatment for a while.  Please keep her in your prayers and send her a card if you get a chance.

Mimi Friel was sorry to have missed the Reunion. She wants everyone to know that her mom is doing much better now.

You can find current addresses and phone numbers in our Website Directory:

http://www.afwoa.org/members/

The AFWOA Member Directory is now on-line in a password-protected "Members Only" area.

Contact the Webmaster (webmaster@afwoa.org) to receive the User ID and Password.

IN THE NEWS			THIS MONTH IN the HISTORY of Air Force Women Officers (May and June) § June 1939 The Women's Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) was formed. By June 1945 numbers had increased from 8,800 to 153,000. § June 6, 1944: General Eisenhower cabled the European Theater of Operations asking that civilian women be enlisted in the WAAC and sent to him. In this cable, General Eisenhower said that he found "it literally impossible to conduct effective administration (unless) we obtain either WAACs or civilian women." § June 12, 1948. The Women's Armed Forces Integration Act created Women in the Air Force as an integral part of the Air Force. § June 1950 The Korean War erupted; women in the armed services numbered 22,000. § June 1967 At the request of the Military Assistance Command Vietnam, Lieutenant Colonel June H. Hilton, landed at Tan Son Nhut for duty.  Soon, other officers were on their way to Tan Son Nhut, Cam Ranh Bay, and Bien Hoa. § June 1971 Air Force women officers stationed in Vietnam numbered 20 at their peak strength in.  § June 28, 1976. The first woman, Joan Olsen, was admitted to the U.S. Air Force Academy. § May 1980 “Eighty’s Ladies” graduate from the U.S. Air Force Academy. 97 are commissioned Second Lieutenants. § May 1993 Second Lieutenant Jeannie Flynn becomes America's first female combat pilot. § June 17, 1993 LtCol. Patricia Fornes, first woman to command an operational combat squadron, takes the helm of the 740th Missile Squadron § June 1997: Scandal festers when national news programs publicize Lt Kelly Flinn’s trial. § June 1997 First crash to kill female fighter pilot, when Capt. Amy Svoboda’s A-10 crashed on a bombing range in southwestern Arizona § May 1999: The first women graduate from the Virginia Military Institute and the Citadel
New service dress prototypes pique interest AFWOA Members: What do you think? Love It? Hate It? - Were you ever on a Uniform Board? - Do you remember: Berets; Double Breasted Jackets; Black&White Mess Dress; Polyester Bell Bottom Pants; Flight Suits with Droppy Drawers; White PT Uniforms; Issued Pantyhose; Granny Shoes? - What are some of your favorite uniform stories? Any wardrobe malfunctions? Email me at VEStaley@peoplepc.com
Excerpts from www.af.mil The Air Force Uniform Board is reviewing several concepts that Airmen have suggested regarding the appearance of the service dress uniform. Airmen want to revamp the service dress to look more military, like the other services.  One senior airman said, “the current uniform resembles a cheesy business suit.”   A staff sergeant said, “think world’s most dominating air power, not CEO,” and another described it as a “cheap leisure suit.” Other comments have suggested that the uniform needs to reflect the Air Force’s history more. On an Internet message board an Airman recently wrote, “I want to look good and be proud of my AF heritage.”   Another Airman wrote that the dress uniform pales in comparison to any of the other services.  "We need something that distinguishes us as proud members of the U.S. military.” A more formal survey soon will provide additional opportunities for Airmen to provide feedback and comments.  http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123020472&page=3	Latest Information on Veterans Affairs Data Security The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has recently learned that an employee, a data analyst, took home electronic data from the VA, which he was not authorized to do. This behavior was in violation of VA policies. This data contained identifying information including names, social security numbers, and dates of birth for up to 26.5 million veterans and some spouses, as well as some disability ratings. Importantly, the affected data did not include any of VA's electronic health records nor any financial information. The VA will send out individual notification letters to veterans to every extent possible. Additionally, working with other government agencies, the VA has set up a manned call center that veterans may call to get information about this situation and learn more about consumer identity protections. That toll free number is 1-800-FED INFO (1-800-333-4636). The call center will operate from 8 am to 9 pm (EDT), Monday-Saturday as long as it is needed.
Major General Jeanne M. Holm Award for Leadership Excellence This year, the award went to Cadet Sharla Gilmore, of AFROTC Detachment 675, at the University of Oklahoma. Professor of Aerospace Studies, Colonel James C. Strawn, presented the award to Cadet Gilmore.				Dona Hildebrand of Monument, Colorado represented AFWOA at the May 2006 Air Force Academy Cadet Award program for the AFWOA-sponsored Geraldine May Outstanding Swim Award (Female).

The Turner Publishing Company in Paducah, KY, still has available copies of our 25th Anniversary Book from the 2000 reunion in San Antonio. If you're interested, contact the publisher at 270-443-0121 or at www.turnerpublishing.com.			We have been contacted by Dr. Elizabeth F. Desnoyers-Colas (Maj, USAF, Ret), who is writing a book outlining the military accomplishments of African-American women who have participated in the Gulf Wars. Anyone interested in being interviewed for the book should contact her 912-921-5597 / colaseli@mail.armstrong.edu
Address Corrections				Lost in the Mail
Katie Cutler 3124 Kingston Ave. Napa CA 94588-4459 Gloria Domann PO Box 883 Montrose CO 81402-0883 Sarah Cardwell Evans 799 Yellowstone Dr Apt 202 Vacaville CA 95687-3453	Linda Hasseloff PO Box 5504 Albuquerque NM  87185-5504 Mary H. Parker 21433 Randsburg-Mojave Road California City CA 93505-2352 760-373-7384 Mary Small 2410 Glenn Lakes Ln Missouri City TX 77459-4451	Nichole L. Thomas 4909 W Novak Way Laveen AZ 85339-4251 Karen M. Torres 4551 Orly Pl McGuire AFB NJ 08641-5000 Delories Verrett 9712 18th Avenue Ct S Apt R14 Tacoma WA 98444-6638		Mail was returned as undeliverable for the following. If you know where they are, please let us know Cynthia A Brown, O'Fallon IL Ladonna Davis, Culver City CA Florence Durrett, Redlands CA Leonora Embich, Aurora CO Eleanor Fait, El Dorado Hills CA Laura Kleen, Albuquerque NM Hollace Lyon, Suisun City CA Bernice McGhee, Fort Washington MD Anne Noggle,Albuquerque NM Shirron E. Richardson, Fairfield CA Judy Roomsburg, El Segundo CA Tamara Say, APO AP 96367 Sandra Lynn Todd, APO AE 09050