Thursday, October 15, 2009

Congressional Gold Medal of Honor to 87-year-old WASP Jeanette Rhamsey

Hi, Friends,


I'm hoping you will join us in a very happy project.

I am requesting your guidance on behalf of our beloved friend, 87- year-old Jeanette Rhamsey, of Tracy California.

Jeanette was notified by Texas Women's University (TWU), repository of Women's Airforce Service Pilots --WASP-- archives and memorabilia, that she and other WASP would be receiving Congressional Gold Medals of Honor in recognition of their service to our country, during World War Two. These awards are the result of President Obama's wishes to honor unsung heroes of that period.

More than 50 newspapers have run features on WASP activities, as a result of the March 13, 2009 announcement that Jeanette and her fellow pilots will be receiving what many feel to be long-delayed accolades.

Some of us here in Puttaparthi, south India, where Jeanette lives part of the time, would like, very much, for her to be able to travel to Washington to receive this award, which is scheduled to be handed out sometime soon. Due to her present limited income this is an expense she cannot afford. It is already necessary for USA citizens to leave India every six months, travel to a nearby country, and return, if they want to stay in India longer. So the cost of travelling to the USA for such an honor is beyond Jeanette's means. A few of us here are donating for her ticket, but we need assistance. For such a long journey we would like to send her by Business Class as she suffers from many minor ailments.

I would be so appreciative of any guidance you could give us on finding US sources that might help sponsor Jeanette's trip to Washington and making a dream come true for a brave and pioneering woman, a lady who continues to be an example of love in action to those of us who know her.

Or maybe you would just like to drop something in the Donation Hat. Let jeanette know by contacting her at yojeanette@yahoo.com


Yours most enthusiastically and appreciatively,

Terry Reis Kennedy