New Officers On Board 

We're delighted to introduce four new appointees to the Island County Democrats Executive Board. Their fresh energy and tremendous skills have enhanced and invigorated the IDC leadership:

Helmi Kelstrom - Treasurer. Helmi brings her extensive business and accounting experience to the board as out new Treasurer. As an accounting manager for a large retail chain, Helmi is uniquely qualified to excel in this position. Helmi and her husband, Nels, a former ICD State Committeeman, have been active in Democratic politics since moving to the island. Helmi is an accomplished gardener, art lover and dedicated Democrat.

Shirley Bennett - State Committeewoman. Shirley returns to her role as ICD State Committeewoman, a position she held for two years. A popular and familiar face in Island County Democratic politics, Shirley brings her wit and wisdom to the table along with a unique perspective. Having also served as Chair of the Whidbey Island Democratic Club, Shirley represents a wealth of experience and discerning point of view.

Ria Claassen - Secretary. Ria is a long time resident of Whidbey Island and a recent recruit to the Whidbey Island Democratic Club and the ICD. Ria possesses a wealth of new ideas and methods of expanding membership and involvement in both organizations. Ria and her husband, live in Freeland. We welcome Ria with open arms!

Ron Wilkinson - Immediate Past Chair. Thanks to a fortunate twist of fate, former ICD Chair Ron Wilkinson has been able to maintain Whidbey Island as his home base and will be able to assume his position as Immediate Past Chair. Ron is long known for his cool and analytical approach in any situation. He has wide ranging business experience and often serves as our official Parliamentarian with reserve and absolute professionalism.

As we say goodbye to four members of the Executive Committee we acknowledge each of them for years of dedicated service to the Democratic cause. Sincere thanks to Marshall Goldberg, Jan Helwig, Mary Hughes and Paulette Becker for their many contributions.

Grethe In The News

The following article is an excerpt from an article written by Andrea Stone from AOL News Online.  http://www.aolnews.com/nation/article/pentagon-picks-claudia-kennedy-margarethe-cammermeyer-for-womens-panel/19500970

Pentagon Gives Nod to Big Names for Women's Panel

WASHINGTON (June 2) -- In a clear signal that the Obama administration hopes to make big changes at the Pentagon, Defense Secretary Robert Gates has named two high-profile veterans and a prominent feminist advocate to a little-known but influential advisory panel on women in the military. Retired Lt. Gen. Claudia Kennedy, who made headlines as the Army's highest-ranking woman when she accused a fellow general of sexual harassment, was named chairwoman of the Defense Department Advisory Committee on Women in the Services (DACOWITS), which is set to hold its first meeting Thursday.

Established in 1951 by Defense Secretary George C. Marshall, the civilian panel gives advice and recommendations on policies related to military women. Members serve without pay for a three-year term, visiting military bases and evaluating reviews of policies that affect servicewomen. Often on the front lines of opening jobs and expanding opportunities for women in the armed services, DACOWITS also has been a backwater under administrations less interested in changing the military hierarchy.

Under the George W. Bush administration, the committee had 15 members. Its 2010 charter authorizes a total of 35 members to "be more robust to better address emerging and existing issues concerning our women in uniform," said Clifford Stanley, undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness.
Since retiring as head of Army intelligence a decade ago, Kennedy has been active in Democratic politics and spoken out against the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy on gays.

Also named to the committee:

Retired Army Reserve Col. Margarethe Cammermeyer, the military nurse and Vietnam veteran who came out as a lesbian before the Clinton-era "don't ask, don't tell" policy and whose court battle to reverse her discharge was made into a movie starring Glenn Close.