Luncheon Recalls "Women In Service"
March 16, 2014 at 9:34 PM
From the World War II era to modern day the role of “Women In Service” was explored during the DuBois Area Historical Society’s 8th Annual Luncheon held at the DuBois Senior Center. The program was part of the Society’s celebration of Women’s History Month.
LTC Karen Aravich (left), retired U. S. Air Force, was the featured speaker concerning “Women’s Role In Today’s Military.” Her presentation focused on the many hats that a woman must wear to be successful in the modern military. She highlighted her career, challenges faced by a woman in the military during her early enlistment, and raising a family while active in the armed forces.
Aravich enlisted into the U. S. Air Force in 1974 as a jet engine mechanic, becoming one of the few women to enter this field. She reached the rank of E-6 and was selected for a direct commission and attended Officer Candidate School. She earned an associate of science degree in Aerospace Control Systems from Community College of the Air Force, B. S. degree in business from Delaware University, and MBA from Wilmington College. She also graduated from the Air Command and Staff College and Air War College. She is trained as an accident investigator for both aircraft and engine accidents.
She was commissioned in the Air Force in 1986 and served in Dover, Del., San Antonio, Texas, and with the 911th Airlift Wing in Pittsburgh. Her final assignment was at the Pentagon serving as Chief, Aerospace Vehicle Migration Planning in the Weapons Systems Division.
During her service Aravich earned the Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaves, Air Force Commendation Medal with four oak leaves, Air Force Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star Device, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” Device and Silver Hour Glass, Overseas Service Ribbon, and Meritorious Unit Commendation. She was selected as the Women in Aviation “Against All Odds” recipient and she received a scholarship to the prestigious Pratt and Whitney Jet Engine School.
Now employed at the DuBois VA Clinic, she lives in DuBois with her husband, LTC Donald Aravich, U. S. Air Force retired, and their four children.
The World War II era was recalled by three performers recalling the experiences of three DuBois area natives: Nancy Rosman (center above) as World War II U. S. Army nurse Suzanne Luchuck; Sue Meholick (right above) as missionary Sarah Johnston; and Sharon Folmar (above left) performed as Lt. Loyola Sullivan, World War II Women’s Army Corp member.
Gene Aravich wrote all of the parts from research completed by Ruth Gregori. Dave Clark recruited the performers from the Reitz Theatre.
Helping to continue the World War II atmosphere was period Andrews Sisters music. DuBois Area High School freshmen (above from left doing "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy") Sam Vida, Katelyn Long, and Lindsey Hewitt, accompanied to the luncheon by choral director Brennan Bell, performed as the sisters. They sang “You Are My Sunshine” and “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy”.
DuBois Area Historical Society President Ruth Gregori provided the welcome and closing remarks. DuBois Area Historical Society Historian Todd Thompson gave the blessing before the lunch.
For a second consecutive year the luncheon attracted over 80 people. Attendance was 85, just a little behind the record attendance of 88 in 2013. The luncheon menu included sandwiches from Subway in DuBois, soup and salad from Calliari’s Bakery, and cupcakes from Martin’s. Providing door prizes for the event were: Hockman’s Candy, DuBois Chamber of Commerce, Stew’s Brew, Uzi’s Bakery, and Wapiti Ridge Wine Cellar. The door prize winners were: Ed Watson, Nancy Williams, Janine Winkler, Mary Reilly, Jean Hayes and Marlyn Challingsworth.
Upcoming DuBois Area Historical Society activities include:
April 23 – Guest speaker, Mike Solensky, “History of Air Mail in DuBois,” E. D. Reitz Museum, 28-34 W. Long Ave., DuBois, 7 p.m., free.
April 27 – Fundraiser Luigi’s Ristorante, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Society will receive a percentage of the day’s profits.
May 10 - 6th Annual Spring Walk, Soldier, led by Betty Anderson, 10 a.m., free. Meet at Soldier Wesleyan Church on the Reynoldsville-Sykesville road.
May 16 – Fundraiser Italian Oven, DuBois, all day. Get a voucher from any board member or print one from the Society’s website: www.http://duboishs.com.
June 24-26 – Fundraiser DuBois Pizza Hut Wingstreet and Clearfield Pizza Hut (three days). Get a voucher from any board member or print one from the Society’s website: www.http://duboishs.com.
July 18-20 – Fundraiser at Ruby Tuesday’s Restaurant, DuBois. Get a voucher from any board member or print one from the Society’s website: www.http://duboishs.com.
August 22 – Fundraiser Hoss’s Steak and Sea House, DuBois, all day. Get a voucher from any board member or print one from the Society’s website: www.http://duboishs.com.
September 18 – Annual Dinner, speaker Dee Matthews, DuBois Senior Center, 6 p.m. Menu and cost to be announced.
October 11 – 7th Annual Spirit of DuBois Lantern Walk, details to be announced.
October 17 – Fundraiser Italian Oven, DuBois, all day. Get a voucher from any board member or print one from the Society’s website: www.http://duboishs.com.
November 21-23 – Fundraiser at Ruby Tuesday’s Restaurant, DuBois. Get a voucher from any board member or print one from the Society’s website: www.http://duboishs.com.
December 12 – Fundraiser Hoss’s Steak and Sea House, DuBois, all day. Get a voucher from any board member or print one from the Society’s website: www.http://duboishs.com.