GFWC GREATER OCALA  WOMAN'S CLUB

The Celebration Service of Women Veteran's Dinner was outstanding. It was attended by over 100 people from the club and the local community. It was a proud moment for the GFWC Greater Ocala Women's Club to be able to recognize our female veterans for the many years of service to our country.

Ruth and Naomi McLean from the Marion County Sheriff's Pipes and Drums group played the bagpipes outside as guest arrived for the evening.

Invocation was done by Judith Scott, Chaplain of VFW 4781 Ocala, Florida.

National Anthem and Presentation of Colors by Forest High School Jr. ROTC Color Guard.

Dinner was provided by the Forest High School Culinary Department and they received a standing ovation for their culinary skills. It was a scrumptuous meal that everyone raved about.

The Golden Troopers of the Ocala Civic Theatre entertained us with a few songs and had everyone standing up for their country.

We had a special guest that evening, she warmed everyones heart and they welcomed her with open arms. Her name is Major Victoria Dragoiu retired WWII Army Air Corp. of Nurses.. Our honoree, Vici is 97 years old and is one of the very first flight nurses. She actually came dressed in her uniform and was overwhelmed by all the attention.

Her niece Dawn Sabol, a Vietnam Veteran spoke about her Aunt Vici's life and her career. We're all still wondering how you can be a flight nurse and not like flying! You could tell that Dawn is very proud and loves her Aunt Vici very much, that was very evident in the way she spoke of her.

Our very own, Greater Ocala Woman's Club President, Charlene Earl presented an interesting talk about the history of women in the military dating back to the 1800's. She mentioned many stories that we did not know of and she did an impressive job.

Gera Judge, the Program Director and Community Relations of the VFW Retirement Home in Fort McCoy, spoke of the upcoming ground breaking for the new wing of the retirement home. She wrapped up the evening by speaking about the Freedom Flight that she had the pleasure of experiencing last week. It was a very emotional day for the WWII veterans that were able to fly to Washington, D.C. to see the World War II Memorial for the first time. They are trying to raise funds for another trip in April 2010 and she's hoping to be among those going.

It was a wonderful evening had by all and one that will be remembered for a long time.

P.S.

The Star Banner will be running a feature story on Major Victoria Dragoiu on Friday, November 6, 2010.  Be sure to look for it.

www.gfwc-greaterocalawc.org

www.gfwcflorida.org

 GOWC President Charlene Earl
Major Victoria Dragoiu retired  and Vietman Veteran Dawn Sabol

 

Group photo of the women veterans attending the dinner.

Phyllis, Lorraine, Lucy and Susan 

Joyce, Ginny, Mary and Spouses

GOWC President Charlene Earl

and First Vice-President

Rosalie Laudando