ASSEMBLY FOLLOW-UP: SMALL THINGS CREATE THE BIG DIFFERENCES

Presenting veteran Kathleen Ford with her award of recognition

The Women's Federation for World Peace National Assembly for 2016 has come and gone; but one aspect of that very successful event still resonates with me: Honoring Veterans. Denneze Nelson, New Jersey Chairwoman offered me a ride to the airport after the Marriage Blessing Celebration on Sunday. She asked if it was okay to make a stop along the way. She wanted to visit the home of Mrs. Ethel Gordon, who is the caregiver for Ms. Kathleen F. As a veteran of the United States Air Force, she served as an officer in the Beirut, Lebanon forces from 1979 until 1989.

Kathleen was one of several veterans invited to the WFWP Assembly as a recipient in the Veteran's Award Ceremony. Unfortunately she was not able to attend. As we entered the premises, Denneze retrieved a small package from the car. We were welcomed by Mrs. Gordon and escorted to an area where a woman of short stature greeted us with a big smile. She obviously had some physical challenges but her enthusiasm, energy, and humor overshadowed any shortcomings.

Denneze has a working relationship with Kathleen, and I immediately became a "friend" also. I was so impressed with the stories of her service and military experiences. She recounted that often being a female and an officer was difficult; in addition to the fact that she stands only 5 feet 3 inches tall! Her memory of people and places was as sharp as if they had happened yesterday; I was in awe of her witty flashbacks.

After what seemed like hours, Denneze presented her with the crystal award, engraved with wonderful words that came close to expressing our appreciation for her years of sacrifice. While I took pictures of us with the award, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride, love, and heart for what was happening. This is what WFWP is about!! The award could have been mailed or given days after the Assembly; but Denneze insisted on making sure Kathleen received it as close to Veteran's Day as was humanly possible. It is the small things that create the big differences. I am honored to have been a part of this gesture of a big HEART!