Elk River Chapter DAR honored our lady Veterans during our regular December meeting. Guest speaker, Mary Ann Taffer, told us about her experiences as a female in the military service. She reported that as a recent high school graduate, she completed basic training, and then was placed in a clerical position in Great Lakes for the duration of her service. She primarily worked as a secretary to officers there. She stated that her starting salary was $72.00 a month, and the uniforms worn by females consisted of jackets and skirts. She said she held the rank of E6 when she retired. She said she would encourage any young person to consider a career in the military if they haven’t already settled on a career goal.
In addition to the guest speaker, members presented the donations they had collected to be sent to our lady Veterans at the Clarksburg VA Hospital. Attendees at the December meeting were Paula Carr Shuman, Lorraine Bailey, guest Mary Ann Taffer, Ruth Ellen Mooney, Susie Rogers, Mary Stewart, and Lillie Robinson. They are pictured with the donations they collected for the female Veterans.
The next meeting of the Elk River Chapter DAR is scheduled for the 12th of January 2014 at 2:00 pm at the Gassaway Public Library. All DAR members and prospective members are cordially invited to attend. At that time we will be addressing Women in History and our DAR Schools. Any woman eighteen years of age, or older, regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background, who can prove lineal descent from a Patriot of the Revolutionary War is eligible for membership. For further information you may contact Ruth Mooney at 304-765-7478