2010 Woman Veteran of the Year – Jessica Maple, Mosinee

Jessica Maple has served her country for 14 years in the Air Force and Air National Guard and still serves today. She has supported 3 major deployments and several military training and professional development events in recent years. She has served twice supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. She took time while deployed and volunteered at several base Fallen Warrior ceremonies. She has also been selected as the senior NCO of the Year for the Air National Guard. Her medals include: Meritorious Unit Award with 1 device, AF Outstanding Unit Award, Combat Readiness Medal, Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal with 3 devices, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border and 3 devices, AF Longevity Service Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” device, USAF NCO PME graduate ribbon with 1 device, AF Training Ribbon, and NATO medal.

2009 Woman Veteran of the Year – Marjorie Marshman, Madison

Marjorie joined the Service December 1943 and left January 1946. Marjorie was a Clerk Typist and worked at Cherry Point, North Carolina after attending boot camp at Camp LeJeune. She left the Marine Corps with the rank of Corporal.

Marjorie was one of nine children and all four of her brothers joined the service, so she thought she should too.

Marjorie belongs to the Madison Veterans Firing Squad, American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary, Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary, Marine Corp League, Madison Veterans Council, Dane County Veterans Service Commission, AMVETS, VA Hospital Volunteer, Pearl Harbor Association and WIMSA.

Marjorie is very active in all the organizations, especially as Chaplain of the Madison Veterans Firing Squad. She presides over the greatest honor of presenting the final recognition of the eulogy and flag presentation to the families for 125 funerals annually.

Connie Allord

2008 Woman Veteran of the Year – Connie Allord, Madison

Connie Allord enlisted in the Marine Corps during WWII after her husband Larry enlisted in the Sea Bees. She entered service November 1943 and left November 1945. Under the enlistment rules of the day, Connie and Larry could not belong to the same branch of service.

Connie served as one of the first female Air Traffic Controllers at Cherry Point, North Carolina, attaining the rank of Sergeant. She filed flight plans for well known stars of the day such as actor Tyrone Powers, who she reports was very personable and remembered everyone by their name.

Connie has shown little reason to slow down her community involvement. She is active annually with all levels of Toys for Tots. She has participated in many efforts to memorialize veterans through the WDVA museum archives, wreath laying ceremonies and especially encouraging women veterans to share their stories with WIMSA.

Connie has been a member of the Council for Veterans Programs representing United Women Veterans. She has been a member of Finance, Legislative and Program Review, and Long Term Care committees for the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs Board. She is a member of the American Legion, Marine Corps League, United Women Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary, Women Marines Association, and Women in the Military Service To America (WIMSA).