Fallbrook Woman's Club takes pride in military members

The Fallbrook Woman’s Club takes great pride in acknowledging three of its members who have served their country with distinction and valor. Those members, Betty Gilby, U.S. Army; Sally Vinyard, U.S. Department of Defense; and Michelle Leslie, U.S. Navy were invited this year to partake in the Fallbrook Veteran’s Day Parade on Nov. 11. The three ladies waved graciously to the public that lined Main Avenue, as the car they rode in slowly meandered along the parade route, to arrive at the final gathering point for the official ceremony.

Gilby served as a 1st Lt. during World War II She was involved in two campaigns on the Italian Peninsula in 1944 and 1945. Gilby is the recipient of two Bronze Stars.

“Fallbrook is the best place to live; it’s climate, it’s cultural activities, the friendly people, and, the many opportunities for service,” said Gilby, who has lived in Fallbrook for 21 years and is currently 92 years old.

Vinyard worked for the U.S. Department of Defense for 35 years. She served in Vietnam over a period of eight years. She was responsible for the evacuation of thousands of Vietnamese refugees during the fall of Saigon. She was also in charge of Operation Baby Lift and was the last American woman out of Vietnam. Vinyard was awarded the Navy’s Woman of the Year by the Naval Facilities Engineering Command in 1976 and the Meritorious Civilian Award by the Navy, the highest award ever given a woman.

Vinyard celebrated her 90th birthday on November 11.

“I was born in Fallbrook, and, my goal was to return to Fallbrook to live out the rest of my life,” said Vinyard. “I am so glad for the things I did in my life, the many experiences I had, because now I have the opportunity to live them again, as I turn the pages of my memories.”

Leslie served as a Lt. Commander aboard the U.S.S. Prairie, the oldest ship in the Navy, during Desert Storm (1990). And, again, as it just so happens, Michelle’s birthday is also on Nov. 11.

“Fallbrook is by far the most patriotic place I have ever lived,” said Michelle. “In fact, this (2011) Veteran’s Day was the first time since 1983 that my service to our country was publicly recognized, and also the first time I ever had a village sing Happy Birthday to me!”

Ayn Bryant, president of the Fallbrook Woman’s Club, and its members “salute these three women and wish them protection and God’s speed.”

The Fallbrook Woman’s Club theme for this year is “United in Sisterhood - With a Heart for Service.” More information on the club can be obtained by visiting http://www.fallbrookwomansclub.org or calling (760) 728-9971.