Jessie Brundige
National SMW President
SMW Election 2012 Candidates President Elect: Patricia Walker
Patricia Walker joined SMW Chapter 13 in Riverside, California in April of 1998. She has worked, raised her daughter Emily and son David, and lived in Tennessee since 1976. A high school teacher for over thirty years, teaching English, German, American History and American Government, she is now retired and very active in her community. Volunteering for many things she could not fit into her schedule while teaching, she now works with her church on several committees, is active in the Business and Professional Women of Tennessee and her local retired teachers group and serves as an officer in both. She also works and volunteers with the local Chamber of Commerce and serves as an election official during election years. Patricia is seeking your support as a candidate to become SMW’s next president-elect.
Secretary: Emma Dennard
A Florida native and widow of Air Force MSGT Jimmy L. Dennard; Emma is proud mother of 2 daughters, one son and grandmother of 6. She is employed by the State of Florida Highway Safety Motor Vehicles and an active member of First Baptist Church of College Hill - Tampa, FL., where she serves on the Senior Usher Board, member of the Drama Ministry, Sunday School Ministry, Eva Huggins Circle Ministry. She presently attends Bible Study Fellowship International. She also enjoys being a member of the Red Hatters Society and serves as financial secretary for the Community Mayberry Cemetery Organization.
Treasurer: Catherine McGraw
Cathy McGraw has been a member of SMW for 40 years and Chapter 13, Riverside, CA since it was founded in 1980. She has been a Navy widow since 1973 and served in the U.S. Navy herself as an Aviation Storekeeper. She retired as an assistant manager after 25 years with the California Employment Development Department. She has held most offices at the Chapter level and served as National Chaplain and National Treasurer. She currently serves as National and Chapter 13 Bylaws Chair.
Regional VPNorthwest: Betty Luttkus
Betty Luttkus is a native of Colorado and has been a military widow for 14years. Her husband was retired from the army. She joined SMW Chapter 22 in Jan 1999 and has been an active participant. She has served as chapter Corresponding Secretary, President (4 terms) Vice President (3 terms), Membership chairperson and is currently the NWRVP She holds monthlysewing/craft meetings at her home and hosts a SMW picnic in the summer. Betty held the Special Services position for National for 4 years including assisting with the conventions in Branson, MO and Washington DC. She is a retired nurse and a professional clown and volunteers weekly at the Buckley AFB Pharmacy.
Regional VPNorth Central: Carol Widmer
Carol currently serves as NC/RVP. She has been a member of Chapter 28 in Wichita, KS for four years where
jrb@mptelco.com www.militarywidows.org Established 1968 • Affiliated 1984
she is vice president. She prepares their quarterly newsletter, gathering information that helps her provide up-to-date news to report during regional teleconferences. She joined SMW to learn from others and has come to respect her peers as strong survivors. She finds the ladies kind and fun-loving and her goal is to encourage and enjoy their friendship while sharing information and experience.
Regional VPSouthwest: Ayako Detwiller
Ayako Detwiler joined SMW #25 in June 1998. She has served in many capacities as Publicity Chair, volunteered to deliver donated items to USO, Chaplain, Chapter VP, Chapter President and luncheon location Coordinator. While active in SMW #25, she volunteers for the Navy/Air Force Joint Base Military Fleet & Family Center to help in RAO (Retired Activity Office) Watchstand once a week. She is an active member at her local Christian church, as well as teaching and playing Japanese String Instruments. She also coordinates entertaining retiree’s community, Senior Clubs, Hospitals, Rehab and Care Centers about once a month.
Regional VP-South Central: VACANT Regional VPSoutheast: Joyce Dieckhaus
Joyce Dieckhaus is a Charter member of Chapter 35, Tampa, FL, where she has served as President, Vice President, Chaplain and Parliamentarian. She has previous experience as Southeast Regional Vice President. She assisted with the Clearwater National Convention and the Orlando Convention. Joyce is currently serving as representative on the Sixth Medical Advisory Board at Ft. MacDill Air Force Base, Tampa, FL.
SMW Official Mail-In Ballot for Election of Officers to be Installed after the Annual Banquet in 2012
Instructions: Mark your vote next to the candidates name. Except for each region shall elect its own Vice President. Cast one vote for the candidate from the region that includes your state. If there is no candidate please write your candidates name. SMW President shall have the power to appoint a Vice President. Mail Completed Ballot To: Nadine Wilberger, Katie La Bounty or Bertha Baker at 3307 Diamond Drive, El Paso, TX 79904.
Ballots must received by September 10
Ballot: According to the previsions of SMW bylaws, the President-Elect, Regional Vice Presidents, Secretary and Treasurer shall be elected by mail ballot. The Chairperson of the Nominating Committee presents the following candidates. All candidates have been nominated by petition and have submitted their written consent to serve. Officers shall serve a term of two years. They shall assume office at the close of the Annual Banquet 2012. 36
The Nominees: President-Elect: o Patricia Walker
Northwest (AK, ID, MT, OR, WA,WY,CO): North Central (IA, IL, KS, MN, ND, SD, NE, WI): Southwest (CA, HI, AZ, NV, UT,NM): South Central (AR, LA, MO, OK, TX): Southeast (GA, NC, SC, KY, TN, MS, AL, FL):
Secretary: o Emma Dennard
Treasurer: o Catherine McGraw
o Betty Luttkus o Carol Widmer o Ayako Detwiller o _______________________________ o Joyce Dieckhaus
Name:_________________________________________________________
Address:________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Membership #:________________________________
(found on the label on the front of your USJ)
Uniformed Services Journal July/August 2012