The Jonathan Hardin Chapter, NSDAR met at the Parkview Hospital Annex Building in Mexia, Texas on November 4, 2020.
Vice Regent Kathleen McKee welcomed special guest our veterans and other guest Jane Morrison and speaker Judy Denke.
Vice Regent McKee led members and guest in the DAR Ritual. A National Defense Report was given by Leigh Ann Steen and Julia Morton. Registrar Patty Gaunt inducted Beth Harrison into the chapter as our newest member and a veteran.
Diane Pullin, presented to Bettye Trask, the Veteran Volunteer Award from our chapter. Bettye has been active in the community for years and has been helping veterans and other citizens in and around our area. Bettye is well deserved and commended for her tireless efforts to help those in need.
All veterans in attendance were recognized and announced their branch of their service. Joyce Denke was an outstanding guest speaker and related to the veterans in attendance. Those going into the Red Cross had to have a college degree which she received from Mary Hardin Baylor in Belton. Joyce joined the Red Cross in 1967 to go to Vietnam where she served one year as a “Donut Dollie”. This term came about during WWII when girls rode in the back of trucks delivering coffee and donuts to the troops, and as they say the name stuck.
Joyce told about the time she spent in Vietnam and some of the interesting things that happened during her time. These girls were there to bring a “little touch of home” to the men serving. They helped them forget about the war for a short time by putting on programs, style shows and games. These ladies were also known as “round eyes”, at one fire base the men made a flag with a big round eye as a welcome.
After the program, members and guest enjoyed a luncheon.
Any woman 18 years or older, regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background, who can prove lineal descent from an ancestor who aided in achieving American independence is eligible for membership. For more information about joining the Jonathan Hardin Chapter, NSDAR please contact Regent Nancy McSwane at 254-359-4620 or Registrar Patty Guantt at 903-388-5677.
