Civic Organizations

The 1LT Tom Martin Memorial Foundation

The 1LT Tom Martin Memorial Foundation was established in 2010, after the death of our Tom’s in 2007. I serve as the Vice President of the foundation that honors Tom’s passions – youth missions, scouting, and scholarships for graduating seniors. Click here to learn more about Tom’s story…how you can help keep his infectious smile alive and how to support his legacy.

Friends of the Army Women’s Museum

Friends of the Army Women’s Museum (FAWMA) is the non-profit that provides financial and volunteer support to the US Army Women’s Museum located at Fort Lee, Virginia. The US Army is the only branch of the military that has a museum dedicated solely to the women who serve. I have been a member of the FAWMA Board of Directors since 2010 and so proud to be part of preserving our Army Women’s heritage.

Veterans of Foreign Wars

I became eligible for membership in the VFW after my deployment to Kuwait and Iraq (2005-2006). Learn more here. I am proud to be a lifetime member of America’s largest organization of combat veterans.

USO

When many think of the USO, they quickly think of Bob Hope entertaining the troops! I have learned that our USO is so much more. I have been volunteering with the USO for nearly seven years and love every minute of supporting our troops. Click here and learn how you can serve in your own community.

Association of the United States Army (AUSA)

AUSA is the professional organization of the U. S. Army, the Army’s voice on Capitol Hill, and continues to do so much for Soldiers and their families. I am a proud lifetime member and thankful to join the consummate professionals I have come to know as friend and colleague. If you are a Soldier For Life and have not joined AUSA yet…that is just plain wrong! Here ya go!!

Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR)

If you are a woman and able to trace your family lineage to an American Revolution Patriot, DAR may be for you! Daughters are passionate about community service, preserving history, educating children, as well as honoring and supporting those who serve our great nation. My Patriot is Thaddeus Bennett, who served in the 4th Military Regiment of the New York Militia, under the command of COL Hathorne. Click here…find a DAR Chapter near you and belong to one of the premier genealogical resource centers in the United States! I am a proud member TXDAR member in the Green Mountain Boys Chapter.

United States Army Warrant Officers Association (USAWOA)

I am a proud lifetime member of USAWOA, largely in part because of the camaraderie my membership provides among Army Warrant Officers. I must admit, we are a very unique subset of the total Army, each one possessing a distinctive set of technical and tactical skills. I have served on the National Scholarship Committee, served as a District Director, and held every possible position at the Chapter level. While Army Warrant Officers are often labeled as the “Quiet Professional”, those with whom I have the privilege to call my best friends are anything other than quiet! Click here and learn more about the absolute best rank in the Army!

Wreaths Across America

I first came to know of Wreaths Across America in 2008, when a gold star mother sister (from Houston) told me about the incredible way Veterans were remembered at the Houston National Cemetery each December. Imagine my excitement in 2011, when I made plans to go on the Escort to Arlington with Wreaths Across America, a trip that was the first of my three escorts with the wreaths. The mission of REMEMBER, HONOR, and TEACH got in my blood and I am now a forever supporter of this incredible mission.

Executive Director, Karen Worcester, honored me by asking if I would serve as the 2016 Grand Marshall for the Escort to Arlington. That week was one of the most emotional weeks of my life – filled with hugs, tears, multitudes of joy, and making a difference in the lives of so many. If you have not laid a wreath upon a Veteran’s grave in December, you need to get involved!

Women’s Overseas Service League (WOSL)

WOSL was founded in 1921 and is a national organization of women who have served overseas in or with the Armed Forces (military or civilian). I am a firm believer that if anything has stood the test of time for nearly 100 years, then it is a great organization! WOSL has a strong scholarship program. Learn why I (a woman with a one-year deployment to a combat zone) feel extremely comfortable at a WOSL meeting. All the women in that room “get it”!