DISTRICT 3 - MEMBER OF THE MONTH

District 3 Member of Month Selection Criteria

1. A veteran member of the Blinded Veteran Association and in Good Standing with Regional Group and BVA.

2. Influential to veterans of the organization locally and nationally.

3. Active Member (attends meetings and participates in BVA events locally or nationally).

4. Contributes to the increase of BVA membership (implementing awareness  of BVA and establishing new members).

All recommendations should include the following: a brief bio, picture of veteran, and contact information (phone, email, and address). All recommendations are due by the 20th of the prior month via email to the following address: pettisgilmore@yahoo.com.

Selection will be made by District Director 3. Final selection information will be forwarded to our National Officers and to District 3 Regional Groups to be posted on their websites.

All questions can be forwarded to District Director 3 at the following contact:

Monaca Gilmore

Email: pettisgilmore@yahoo.com

Phone: 252-822-3486

RAYMOND “CHARLIE” CHOLEWIAK

TENNESSEE REGIONAL GROUP

Mr. Cholewiak served six years in the U.S. Marines and another twelve years in the U.S. Army Reserves. He has served as the President of the Memphis Mid-South Chapter Blinded Veterans Association. He now serves as the Vice President of the Tennessee Regional Group. He is a dedicated member and has done a lot to increase the membership as well as participation of his fellow comrades. Charlie outreach also includes the assisting his elderly neighbors by repairing their small engines and equipment. Congrats Mr. Cholewiak!

GRETCHEN WILSON

SOUTH CAROLINA REGIONAL GROUP

Gretchen Wilson was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She joined the Army in 1979 where she served 3 years active duty and one year in the reserve. Some of her hobbies are watching movies, spending time with her grandchildren, and being apart of the Blinded Veteran Association Family. Gretchen has consistently served as an officer for both the Minnesota and South Carolina Regional Groups. Her performance and untiring efforts are both exceptional for others to follow. She has played a major role in the reshaping of the South Carolina Regional Group which has earned her the position of Vice President this year. Gretchen’s continued love for helping other blinded veterans is her staple and commitment to honor and follow. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SERVICE AND CONGRATS!

DORIS OLIVIA JONES

MID-ATLANTIC REGIONAL GROUP

Doris is a veteran of the U. S. Airforce and an active member of the Blinded Veterans Association since joining. Soon after joining the BVA Doris began participating in Adaptive Sports, Recreation Therapy, and Woman’s Group Programs at Hunter Holmes McGuire Veteran’s Hospital in Richmond Virginia. She held dual leadership roles by serving as the Mid-Atlantic Regional Group President (October 2014-May 2020) and the Secretary for the Richmond, Virginia BVA Chapter. She currently holds the position as the Secretary for the Richmond Chapter and has participated in the Operation Peer Support Program. She runs her own food serving stand in Petersburg, Virginia on Fort Lee.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SERVICE AND CONGRATS!