Hello from Branson:

Let's start by thanking all the women who came to be a part of Women Veterans Week here in Branson Missouri this May 19-25, 2008. What with the price of gas,  food and medical expenses ,YOU chose to take your precious time and $$$$ and come to our town and celebrate and meet other women who have served, for this we the Women Veterans Committee say " Thank you".   Even our very own Emma Pogge  who is 97 and served in WWII came and plans to attend our November Rose Petal Ceremony "if the Good Lord Allows".   (We love you Emma.)

There was so much activity going on and everyone was able to pick and choose where they wanted to go and to take part in.  Some of us went out to eat together, some joined in the shows, Presley's, Hamner Barber, Showboat Branson Belle, and everyone went to the #1 Hits of the 60's where we had our pictures incorporated in the show.  Many of the women enjoyed taking the bus for the day with Committee person Dee Bopp, while some just went on their own and shopped, shopped, and shopped!!  Of course what would the week be like without our 2nd Annual Miniature Golf Tournament and luncheon at Grand Country, Tiger Woods eat your heart out we had Harriet Banana Putter and her cousin America (pronounced Am-er-eee-ka) Banana Putter. 

We always have a "Meet and Greet and this year was no different.  Everyone received a Canvas Bag with Women Veterans Week  May 2008 for a keepsake.  Saturday was the last day of our celebration and we had our group photo taken and then listened to 4 Time Grammy Nominee Michael O'Hare entertain us while we enjoyed our Banquet.   Our special guest was  Vice Admiral Tracey who was a  joy to meet and be around. All the women enjoyed listening to her and hope she will visit us again.  Vice Admiral-------- WOW, ---- we are "moving up" ladies!!!

The Women Veterans Committee worked very hard to make this week possible and we are already working for 2009 which will be our 5th Anniversary!!! We have invited some of our old friends and ask Major General Rita Aragon to come back and be our special guest.  The General was our very first guest speaker when all of this started.  She has marked her calendar!  We will be celebrating May 11-17, 2009 and will shortly have the location and weekly activities listed. 

Brenda Meadows, a committee member is now getting our pictures on disk set to music, and hopefully we will get this on the site soon. In the meanwhile, don't  forget to look at our pictures of the last Women Veterans Week and those who attended. Our goal is 500 for 2009, what do you think?  Can we count on you?

We have a link for you to say "hello" to us and let us know your thoughts.  And for those of you who came, e-mail us your comments.  We pass them on to all the committee members who love to hear from you.

Don't forget to look at the "2008 Slide Show" and see the wonderful women who took part.

That's all for now.  I will be back with more news in the near future.

 Love and God Bless each of you

Mary Slivka

Past Chair/WVC