Air Force Women

Officers Associated

Web Site: www.afwoa.org     FEBRUARY 2008 President: Pat Murphy, Col, USAF Retired

Pat’s Pen   Our attempt at organizing a cruise for our 2008 reunion did not go well. We had only 20 people sign up for the cruise. Because we did not qualify for the group rate with too few cabins reserved, Carnival Lines raised the price and cancelled one handicapped room. With the assistance of the Cruise Center in Galveston, we cancelled our reservations and everyone received a full refund. We are sorry for the inconvenience to those who had planned to sail.

 

The Board is now considering a 2009 reunion on land. We will give you details soon. Pat

Reminder Annual Dues for 2008 are due

Please check your mailing label to see how many years

you are paid through.  Electronic users can view this info

on-line at http://www.afwoa.org/LoginMember.html

If you are a member and do not have a user ID and password (one issued after September 1, 2007) contact webmaster@afwoa.org.

 

Send $10 to

Air Force Women Officers Associated

P.O. Box 780155
San Antonio, Texas 78278-0155

News from our Members

From Lorry Fenner

I retired from the USAF as a Colonel after 26yrs and joined the staff of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) as a Professional Staff Member in March 2006.  In December 2006, I was made the Staff Director for the new Oversight and Investigations subcommittee of the HASC.  We completed our first investigation, on the development of the Iraqi Security Forces in June 2007 and that is posted on the HASc website - all 16 members of the subcommittee signed it as a completely bi-partisan report.

From Bonnie O’Leary My 2007 was spent close to Denver except for three drives back East for weddings and birthday parties. The most wonderful one was WIMSA's Tenth Anniversary. Gen Vaught and her crew did themselves PROUD. Only bad part was the traffic in DC. Had a fun meeting at Memorial with Brig Gen Michelle Johnson. I love the new "Wheel" hat that we can wear. Just like what men wear. She looked stunning in it. I depart Jan 25th for two weeks in 8 countries of West Africa.

 

From Sharon Mullarkey 

Here is a little update on us: Keith and I are well.  We are busy with getting the house ready for the children to come home and all our background checks.  We are hoping to bring the children home in 2008 from the Ukraine. 

We have a new pet at home, KC is our sweet Rottweiler.

Here are a few photos: me at PBI (work) with the Antonov, KC, and a group photo from the Race for the Cure.

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From Jonelle Nabergall

   For the benefit of those in AFWOA who don’t know me, I graduated from Officer Candidate School in June 1960, went on to Communications Officer School at Keesler AFB, MS, then had a four-year tour at Ramstein AB, Germany.  After rotating back to MacDill AFB, I met and married my husband, an Air Force Optometrist, and become step-mom to his 4 minor children.  At that time, that was a no-no, so the Air Force bid me a kind farewell.

   John and I went back overseas to So. Ruislip, at London, England.  By that time we had produced a son together.  Once back in the States, at Carswell AFB ( Ft. Worth, TX), with my son (our youngest) starting kindergarten, I took advantage of the G.I.

 

Bill and attend business college.  Another transfer; this time to Homestead AFB, FL, and the beginning of my Civil Service career.  I began work as a clerk typist for the Air Force (MWR), and after John’s retirement, continued with the Social Security Administration, finally retiring in 1998 as a Claims Representative, GS-11.  Being retired made me crazy, like a caged animal, so I went back to work.  We have lived in Bradenton, Florida since December 1977.  This is where my husband went to high school.   We also have a summer home (mobile) in Franklin, NC.

 

   In June 2007, John and I finally made it back to Fairbanks, Alaska, to take my sister’s ashes.  (They have been on my closet shelf for 3 years.)   While there, we went canoeing and kayaking on the Chena River along with my sister’s step-children and family.  I guess you CAN teach an old dog new tricks.   Even though the Alaska trip was short (less than a week), it was a great trip.   We thoroughly enjoyed spending time with my extended family.  Another highlight was when we took a paddle-wheel-boat ride down the Chena River and, among many other sights, watched the late Susan Bucher’s sled-dog team give a demonstration, pulling an ATV.  By the way, Susan was the first woman to ever win the Iditarod Dogsled Race.

   Speaking of learning new tricks, I studied for and received my HAM radio license in June: KI4WSN.  (That’s a capital I, not a 1.)  Don’t have a good radio yet, but I’m proud of getting the license.

Me in kayak on the Chena River in Alaska, June 2007

 

   On July 4th, our church choir performed a patriotic cantata, twice.  This was a tribute to the Armed forces.  John and I sang in it.  Choir members who were military veterans were encouraged to wear their military uniforms, providing they still fit.  We had outgrown ours many years ago, so we drove to MacDill AFB and bought new ones for that and future occasions.   MacDill is where we met and married, 41+ years ago. 

   In December, John and I both sang in a Singing Christmas Tree production.  We enjoyed it, but it was exhausting … 10 performances in 12 days, and we had to memorize all the music!

Me and a baby alligator (with mouth taped shut) at Cypress Gardens, Florida, in summer 2007;

   In 2008, I will most likely have to give up my job, as John and I have signed up for a 3-week trip to Israel, Jordan, and Egypt in March.  I am hoping to continue working part-time, so I can have the best of both worlds:  the freedom to travel and the wages to pay for it.  We are also planning for a week in Las Vegas in September 2008 for my Air Force OCS 48-year reunion.

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   The real highlight of my last few years has been re-connecting with past friends and relatives.  The photo at Cypress Gardens was taken my best friend from junior high and high school.  We had lost each other for 50 years.  A few weeks ago, I made contact with a close friend from my college days in Tennessee, from before I joined the Air Force.  And just maybe ... I'll run across someone in AFWOA that I once knew, in my other life. 

Cara J. Ebner’s second book, “Daigu” is about to be published.  Her first book was “Blood Cult”. 

Cara, aka Cara Adams, is originally from Denver, Colorado. She is currently a traditional reservist, Personnel, attached to the 310th MSS out of Buckley AFB, CO (Space Command), I'm in process of cross-training into Intel. “I just left 3 years of active duty in August from Grand Forks AFB, ND (AMC). In my civilian life (besides writing) I work in Admin for the USDA in Fort Collins, Colorado”.  She has also been an elementary school teacher.   She currently resides in North Dakota with her husband and two cats.

 

http://www.ecopublisher.com/Previews.html

http://www.ecopublisher.com/Blood_Cult.html

Q: Why this particular photo?

A: I'm uncomfortable in front of the camera, despite having photographers for parents, but I wanted to have an author's photo out there. I've always liked seeing what the authors looked like after I've enjoyed their books. So I compromised by hiding behind a tree and those salal bushes.

 

 

From Gina McGuiness

In January of 2007,AFWOA member Juanita Cox and I left on our 16-day South America Cruise.  On our stop in Aruba, Juanita “the non-swimmer” took a submarine ride, while I snorkeled, rode the waterslide, sunbathed, ate, and drank.  One stop was Salvador (Bahia) Brazil, where we had a wonderful day touring the old town, seeing the gold interior and baroque architecture of the churches, walking the cobblestone streets, and shopping the crafts markets. 

As Juanita turned 65 on Oct 31, we were packing for a trip to Charleston for the Ruptured Ducks (women vets annual golf tourney).  We did all the touristy things, besides golf on two tough courses. 

We started and finished our year in New Orleans.  As we found out, New Orleans is back, at least the area around the French Quarter.  We are now the new owners of a timeshare there—couldn’t resist a very good deal and an opportunity to visit this wonderful, vibrant city again and again.

 

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In February ’08, we head to South America again.  This time, we fly to Santiago, Chile, and cruise around the horn to Buenos Aires, Argentina.  Stay tuned!

 

From Carol Maske

In 2007, I became a “mommy” – of BooBoo.  Boo is a very beautiful blue and gold macaw.  He’s a very healthy, happy, and talkative fellow.  I love him to pieces and have dubbed him Sir BooBoo, Lord of Squawks-a-Lot.

In May of ’07, I was in Florida, and spent time with my BFF, retired AF officer and AFWOA member, Mary Daley. In November ’07, we "crossed paths" again at her home in Colorado Springs.  At her place you can have your morning coffee while staring at Pike’s Peak.  I’m so grateful she takes me in, on my goings and comings. 

 

 

Members’ Feedback

From: Castellon, Rachel Maj DEOMI/J-72

Ma'am,

Good morning.  I have been a member of the AFWOA for a few years (thanks to Lt Col Therese Sloan-Baker's referral) and just wanted to thank you for sending the Dec 07 newsletter.  I'm usually a 'silent' member but I read all of the newsletters/correspondence the AFWOA sends.

 

I couldn't help but notice the letter and email response on pages 7 and 8, which discusses plans to build a resort and spa for military members in Las Vegas.  While I am appreciative of this endeavor, I share the concerns expressed by Col Murphy regarding the 'hooters' theme and lack of diversity on the board of directors.  <See December Newsletter http://www.afwoa.org/news2007Dec.htm>

 

Therefore, I took the liberty of sending our newsletter to my Equal Opportunity (EO) headquarters offices at the Pentagon and Randolph AFB so they can have awareness of this venture.  I made a recommendation that the Nellis AFB EO office contacts this group to possibly offer assistance on sensitivity of military equal opportunity and human relations matters.  I think this offer can potentially prevent regrettable decisions from a well-meaning organization.  Thanks so much for sharing this kind of information. 

 

 

Major Rachel Castellon

Mediation Certification Program Manager / Air Force Service Liaison Officer Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute

Patrick AFB, Florida 32925-3399

 

 

From the Editor

Information in previous issues

Sometimes, members have questions on what our members send in for inclusion in our Newsletter, particularly when their contributions seem to present some possible historical inaccuracies.  I hope you will bear in mind that we normally take our members’ “word-for-it” when they submit articles.  

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Thank you for your continued contributions and feedback.
Newsmakers

Caption:  Col Mary J. Mayer, USAF (Ret) receives the Distinguished Professional Award from Marylhurst University President Dr. Nancy Wilgenbusch

COLONEL MARY J. MAYER RECEIVES

DISTINGUISHED PROFESSIONAL AWARD

 

By Sandy Marron, Director of Development at Marylhurst University

 

Colonel Mary J. Mayer, U.S. Air Force (retired), received Marylhurst University’s Nancy Wilgenbusch Distinguished Professional Award in recognition of her outstanding career achievements at the 2007 Annual Award Luncheon on Saturday, October 27.  Mayer was honored for her significant accomplishments that spanned more than 35 years.

 

“It is an honor and a privilege for me to receive this Distinguished Professional Award from my cherished alma mater, “ Mayer stated. “Marylhurst will always hold a special place in my heart as I believe that the values and skills I learned here have been largely responsible for the success that I have had in my military

and civilian career.  This unique place instilled in me an unshakeable self-confidence in my abilities as a woman and a belief that I could accomplish whatever I set out to do.”

 

Mayer served in the U. S. Air Force in a variety of intelligence, personnel, contracting and acquisition positions--including assignments in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Defense Logistics Agency, Defense Security Assistance Agency, Defense Contract Management Agency, and HQ United States Air Force.  She received numerous awards and decorations throughout her military career such as the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, and the Bronze Star Medal. 

 

After her 30-year military career, Mayer spent several years as the deputy vice president of KBR Government and Infrastructure’s Global Procurement and Supply Management Organization.  She recently resigned from her position as chair of the board of trustees for the Contract Management Institute, a non-profit foundation dedicated to improving the body of knowledge in the field of contract management through research, education and scholarship.

 

As a retiree, she remains active in the community.  Formerly the national president of the 22,000 member National Contract Management Association, she is now a senior member of its National Board of Advisors.  Active in veterans’ associations, she is currently the Air Force Association’s Oregon State President, as well as the Military Officers Association of America’s Portland Chapter Secretary and Oregon Council of Chapters Secretary.  Active in women’s issues, she is the co-president of the American Association of University Women’s Gresham Branch.

 

Mayer currently lives in Portland, Oregon and spends her time traveling, reading, working out, and spending quality time with family and friends--when she is not mentoring young men and women or offering her professional experience to organizations in a volunteer capacity. 

 

The Nancy Wilgenbusch Distinguished Professional Award is presented annually to a Marylhurst graduate in recognition of extraordinary career accomplishments. The award recognizes the highest standards of professional achievements and honors individuals who have served with merit in their chosen field.

 

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Marylhurst University is a private liberal arts university located south of Portland, Oregon, between Lake Oswego and West Linn. Marylhurst is a member of Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC), a consortium of colleges and universities that are dedicated to helping servicemembers and their families earn college degrees. Marylhurst offers professional certificates and degrees for undergraduate and graduate studies.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE           

February 26, 2008

Five Years of VA Health Care for Combat Veterans

Peake: Honoring Commitment to Newest Combat Veterans

WASHINGTON – Military veterans who served in combat since Nov. 11, 1998, including veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan, are now eligible for five years of free medical care for most conditions from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).  This measure increases a two-year limit that has been in effect nearly a decade.

“By their service and their sacrifice, America’s newest combat veterans have earned this special eligibility period for VA’s world-class health care,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake.

The five-year deadline has no effect upon veterans with medical conditions related to their military service.  Veterans may apply at any time after their discharge from the military -- even decades later -- for medical care for service-connected health problems. 

The new provision, part of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2008 signed by President Bush on Jan. 28, 2008, applies to care in a VA hospital, outpatient clinic or nursing home.  It also extends VA dental benefits -- previously limited to 90 days after discharge for most veterans -- to 180 days.

Combat veterans who were discharged between Nov. 11, 1998 and Jan. 16, 2003, and who never took advantage of VA’s health care system, have until Jan. 27, 2011 to qualify for free VA health care.

The five-year window is also open to activated Reservists and members of the National Guard, if they served in a theater of combat operations after Nov. 11, 1998 and were discharged under other than dishonorable conditions.

Veterans who take advantage of this five-year window to receive VA health care can continue to receive care after five years, although they may have to pay copayments for medical problems unrelated to their military service.  Copayments range from $8 for a 30-day supply of prescription medicine to $1,024 for the first 90 days of inpatient care each year.

 

For the latest news releases and other information, visit VA on the Internet at

http://www.va.gov/opa.

To receive e-mail copies of news releases, subscribe to VA’s list server at:

http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/opalist_listserv.cfm.

Good Afternoon,

 

My name is Staff Sergeant Lawrence Whitmore. I am contacting you from Brooks City-Base here in San Antonio. A committee of Air Force instructors at the United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine is looking to put on a small exhibit in honor of Women’s History Month in March. I we are looking for any donations, other than money, that can be used to benefit this event. The theme for this year’s event is Women's Art ~ Women's Vision (http://www.nwhp.org/). If you have any photographs, posters, etc. that you like to donate or let us borrow, it would really be appreciated. Anything would help. We are putting this on with little to no outside/Air Force money. Please feel free to contact me with any question regarding this event. The main event (formal speeches/lunch) will be on the 26th of March and the exhibit would be during the entire month of March. My phone number is 1.210.253.0704 or 1.210.536.0704. Thank you for taking time to read this email. Have a wonderful day.

 V/R Lawrence Whitmore

 Lawrence Whitmore, SSgt, USAF, 4N051

United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine

Expeditionary Medical Support Course- Instructor

USAFSAM EMT Course Coordinator

2601 Louis Bauer Drive, Bldg. 703

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Brooks City-Base 78253

WP: 210-536-2791

DSN: 240-2791


You can find current addresses and phone numbers in our Website Directory:http://www.afwoa.org/LoginMember.html

Our webmaster, Linda Allen, has added a program to the Members Only area that allows people to search for someone by their maiden name.  http://www.afwoa.org/AFWOAMemberUtilities.php

If you are a member and do not have a user ID and password (one issued after September 1, 2007) contact webmaster@afwoa.org.

 

Address Corrections

Ginny Alloway 

valloway@satx.rr.com

 

Linda S. Cirillo

PO Box 256

Notre Dame IN 46556-0256

703-798-4272

 

Margaret Conlin

1727 E. Alameda Dr.

Tempe AZ 85282

 

Mary W. Daley

add phone # 719-264-0616