Stories by Blake Herzog
The Republican Women of Prescott (RWOP) extended their record of supporting those who are serving or have served the U.S. military with multiple projects over the course of 2023.
The largest Federated Republican Women’s Club in the country at more than 1,000 members, in March it gave $11,886 to Honor Flight, which provides all-expense paid trips to Washington, D.C., to veterans of World War II and the Korean and Vietnam wars to visit the memorials.
Two members anonymously donated $5,000 each, and additional members gave $1,886 through the group’s red donation envelopes.
Later in the year, more than 100 local veterans were invited to RWOP’s annual luncheon celebrating veterans Nov. 14, each receiving a Salute to Veterans pin. Featured speakers at the event included retired Maj. Gen. Michael T. McGuire and Gold Star Mom Laura Stephens.
Late in the year RWOP donated $1,540 through AdoptaPlatoon for care packages to an entire platoon of 40 service members. Club members, local veterans and students from Lincoln and Taylor Hicks elementary schools collaborated on writing 1,303 Christmas cards to send with the care packages.
In addition, RWOP took part in Wreaths Across America, donating $1,700 to pay for 170 wreaths placed at Prescott National Cemetery on Dec. 16 as part of an annual observance honoring fallen heroes. That day a total of 1,754, one for each marker, were placed at the cemetery by 200 volunteers.
The club’s executive committee for 2024 was sworn in Dec. 12 by state Treasurer Kimberly Yee during the club’s holiday luncheon, which drew 450 guests. Its leaders for this election year are:
• Sue Davis, president
• Cynthia McSwain, secretary
• Sue Tatar, treasurer
• Jill Martin, 1st vice president, programs
• Marilyn Read, 2nd vice president,
ways & means
• Elaine Janks, 3rd vice president, membership
• Joan Lesko, 4th vice president, communications
• Michele Hamer, 5th vice president, education
For more information visit www.rwop.info or the group’s Facebook or Instagram pages.
