WI-1 Wisconsin Women Marines Chapter
Looking back at a great convention, perhaps only three WMA, WI-1 members were able to attend but they had a wonderful time. Of course our OohRah president kept spirits high.
Seeing old friends is always a highlight but the meetings were informative and inspiring. Commandant General James Amos kicked off the convention in true Marine style and we were then treated with a surprise talk by his lovely wife, Bonnie, whose humor and wit matched her husbands.
On a rather sad note, only nine WWII members were in attendance from the whole country. Mibs Ewald and Connie Allord were two of them, both from Wisconsin. Col. Ellen Healey, USMC (Ret) was the third but from a more recent era.
Oh yes, Connie was the oldest Marine attending and was presented with a lovely corsage. Perhaps there is a perk here and there for aging.
Our fall meeting in Madison at our veteran-friendly Esquire Club was a real OohRaah success. It had to be – our president, Betty Moseley Brown was there with her ever-present vim, vigor, and vitality. We really appreciate her presence.
In September we were saddened by the passing of one of our very involved WWII members, Marion Forrer of Stoughton, WI. Her funeral, planned by the family with grateful help from our chapter, was done in true Marine style and well attended. It was a tribute to a great and much-loved Lady Marine. She will be greatly missed.
The annual luncheon for all of Wisconsin’s women veterans was held in Milwaukee, this year hosted by the Navy Waves. It’s always a delight to meet with our sister veterans from all eras, hear the interesting speakers and of course enjoy a great buffet.
On 8 November, the annual Veterans Day Parade was held in Milwaukee. Only a few faithful WMA members could make it but our presence was made known by Linda Dancker, our president, who drove with our WMA signs on the sides of her vehicle. Walking in front of her were Cheryl Batease and a friend of Jen Clark’s (also a new LEGG member) who carried a banner announcing “Women Marines Association”. Jen also walked, accompanied by her faithful dog, Shiloh. After the parade they attended an always delightful luncheon at the War Memorial on Lake Michigan’s waterfront.
A very busy member is Marge Marshman who is a long—time member of the Madison Firing Squad, acting as their chaplain. They usually have several funerals a week in the Madison area and often 2 a day. She also serves as chaplain for the ceremonies at the Capitol on Veterans Day.
On Nov. 1 there was another Stand Down for Homeless veterans at the National Guard Armory. Connie Allord put in an early shift and came away with a feeling that it was being a bang-up success.
Connie keeps more than busy with various veterans’ organizations but a highlight this fall on 6 November was an invitation to Governor Walker’s mansion to a reception in honor of Veterans Day. It was only two days after his re-election as governor so the atmosphere was festive.
We try to keep up with one of our past presidents, Col. Julie Schaffer, but she’s always on the go. The family has moved from Texas to Phoenix when husband, Rob, was transferred. In the middle of the move they did visit Wisconsin, Madison included, and Julie and Connie managed a little time together. When she returned home it was to Phoenix. She also has a command in Miami and she keeps up with her duties which take her around the country. Via one e-mail she described her adventure in Vermont participating in a marathon that included 25 obstacles. How about that for endurance! They’re grown tough in Wisconsin. We hope to hear more from her. We hope that everyone had a great Veterans Day. Semper Fi,