Notes from the Department Secretary
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This year was incredibly busy in April, we were privileged to have our National President Kathy Daudistel visit us prior to convention. Then during Department Convention, we had our Western Division National Vice President Toni Gimpel for our entire Department Convention.
President Kathy was able to come for three days. She was so excited that we were able to work it out since she could not be here for our Department Convention. Her visit was a little different from the norm and we did a “road trip” for her visit. She began in Fairbanks and then came to Wasilla and finally to Anchorage. While in Fairbanks she was hosted by C. Russell Huber Unit 57 with a reception and visitations. In Wasilla she was hosted by Susitna Valley Unit 35 with a reception and visitation to the Palmer Senior and Veterans Home. In Anchorage she was hosted by Spenard Unit 28 and also visited Fisher House.
WOW! What a great Department Convention. With the help and cooperation of everyone in attendance, we were able to get through all the necessary business for the year. One piece of business was the election/appointment of the Department officers for the 2022-2023 administrative year. After the National Convention in August 2020 these officers will take over their positions. The 2022-2023 Department Officers are;
President............................................. Anarene Robinson.......................... Peters Creek Unit 33
1st Vice President............................. April Sinclair...................................... C. Russell Huber Unit 57
2nd Vice President............................ Lori Fruhwirth.................................. Dorman H. Baker Unit 11
Secretary.............................................. Barbara Nath..................................... Susitna Valley Unit 35
Treasurer............................................ Diana Estrada................................... Susitna Valley Unit 35
Historian............................................. Annette Gwalthney Jones............. Jack Henry Unit 1
Chaplain............................................. Samantha Cody................................ Jack Henry Unit 1
Sgt.-at-Arms...................................... Frances Bedel.................................... C. Russell Huber Unit 57
Executive Committee..................... Robyn Downs.................................. Jack Henry Unit 1
Executive Committee..................... Josette Kinslow................................ Con Miller Unit 30
The National President’s theme this year was “Caring for the Caregiver.” While visiting, President Kathy Daudistel and Western Division National Vice President Toni Gimpel caregivers from across the state with Certificates of Appreciation for their tireless efforts caring for our family members.
National Western Division Vice President Toni Gimple was able to visit for our entire Department Convention. She participated in numerous events with other visiting dignitaries. In additional she spent a great deal of time in the Auxiliary session. As part of her activities, she presented Youth Hero Awards to two young people.
Amber Gilbreath.................... General Buckner Unit 16
Isaac Kubosh.......................... General Daniel “Chappie” James Unit 34
Amber received her award in person while Isaac’s award was accepted by proud members of his post/unit.
Finally, we elected our Member of the Year. There were numerous entries, and the Member of the year was Connie Landmesser of Susitna Valley Unit 35. She will be attending National Convention. All in all, we ended the year on a successful note and are looking forward to the 2022-2023 administrative year.
On a final note, our next event will be the Fall Conference being held on Saturday, October 22, 2022 in Wasilla at Susitna Valley Post/Unit 35. As usual, we will have BOTH a Girls State Board meeting AND a DEC meeting on Sunday, October 23, 2022.