Friday, February 15th was one busy day!  After a slightly slow start, which was greatly needed, we went over to the Ho Chuck Conference Center for one amazing event.  Although short on planning time, since we did not hear about it till around three weeks prior, the event was very successful.  Amazing how great things happen from small ideas! 

The WDVA, United Women Veterans and country singer Ricky Lee put their heads together to create a benefit for the Homeless Women Veterans Grant Fund.  The contacted Kathy Wollmer and Bonnie Dorniak for some assistance and pretty much out of nowhere a fundraiser was born.  Kathy and Bonnie took the lead, contacted Auxiliary members around the state for basket donations and help and the results were awesome.  The Legion and SAL got on board and had information tables in the Veteran Benefit Expo.  Several of our members from over in 7th came by to held with registration and the silent auction. 3rd, 4th and 12th Districts were also well-represented and very helpful.

The program began with the Ho Chunk Nation from the Andrew Blackhawk Post performing drum songs.  Their Color Guard brought in the colors and performed a beautiful ceremony including each branch of the services.  Carolyn Morgan from the WDVA and Elizabeth Benn from UWV were the main program speakers.  Singer Ricky Lee sang several songs to entertain the guests.  The Ho Chunk Nation presented me with a poem to guide me as I travel the rest of this year.  It was an awesome event and at the end of a very long day when all was said and done, the event raised over $1800 for the Grant Fund!  WOW!!

Sue & I had to take our leave mid-afternoon because I was invited to attend the Grand Opening of the new CBOC in Baraboo.  What a beautiful facility!  Very nicely appointed with much up-to-date technology to better serve our veterans.  We enjoyed the tour of the facility but soon had to begin the trip south to Milwaukee to attend the Sweetheart Dance at Greendale Post 416.

It was a nice day for a drive and it went very well.  Got back home just in time to grab some quick food and prepare for the evening.  The organizers of the dance suggested 50's wear or military uniform for those that could still fit into them!  It was a night for poodle skirts!  We did not disappoint.  Out came the curling iron, a large can of sticky hair spray, the bright blue eye shadow and the iridescent pink lipstick.  We wore white "cat-eye" glasses too!  What a sight!!  When we got to the dance we found an assortment of poodle skirts and teased hair.  A fun night was had by all!  Quite a few photo-ops!   Ah, the memories!!