50 for 50: Breaking Barriers, Building Bonds

Nearly fifty years ago, a groundbreaking moment changed the course of history. On October 7, 1975, President Gerald Ford signed Public Law 94-106, opening enrollment to women at all federal service academies. This October, join us as we celebrate 50 years of progress, courage, and achievement. Let’s celebrate this historical marker by meeting up with our local area Service Academy Women! Virtual Zoom Toast will be October 7th, 7:00 PM (Eastern Time) Meeting ID: 851 3709 3169 Passcode: 578815

50 for 50 Meetup Locations

All locations are local times

Alabama (Madison)

Join Amy at this exciting meetup in Alabama. Please RSVP and let her know you are coming.

Alaska (Anchorage)

Join us at Artic Roadrunner for our Anchorage 50 for 50 Meetup. This is a cash only event! Please RSVP to MaryLee Tung

Alaska

Arizona (Phoenix)

9am hike Double Butte Loop at Papago Park. 2 mile hike, easy/flat, bring hat/water (not much shade). Optional brunch 10:30-12:30 at Lou's Bar & Grill at Papago Golf Course. Address for parking (both hike and brunch): 5555 E Karsten Wy, Phoenix, AZ 85008 Please email Mindy and let her know you are coming

Arizona

NOTE: The drive from Tucson takes approx. 50 minutes up a winding road. This is from the Safeway at 9125 E Tanque Verde, Tucson, AZ 85749. The main parking lot is across from the Center. Parking spaces will be limited due to the annual Oktoberfest weekend event on the Ski Slope. Contact me to be added to the group carpooling from the Safeway lot.

California (Coronado)

We'll kick things off at 3:45 PM so we can gather ahead of the 50 Years of Women Toast at 4:00 pm. Come enjoy camaraderie, share a toast, and connect with fellow alumni, friends, and family. Please RSVP so we can plan appetizers! We hope to see you there-cheers!

California (Los Gatos)

Please contact Susan to RSVP for this wine, cheese, and hors d'oeuvres event.

California (Monterey)

RSVPs will be helpful as I'll know how many tables to reserve. We will be toasting and taking a group photo at 3 pm! They can contact me Elizabeth Bone, at 831-917-9927.

California (San Diego)

Meet at the trailhead by the Cowles Mountain parking lot on Golfcrest Drive (by the Navajo Road intersection) in San Diego. Please contact Liesel and let her know you are coming to join her.

Delaware (Lewes)

Hike/walk at Cape Henlopen State Park Meet at the Herring Point Parking Area. (Enter the park and take the first left. Then turn right on Dune Rd. Stay on Dune Rd about 1.5 miles to the parking area)

Delaware (Lewes)

Casual Lunch (each person order from the menu on their own)

Florida (Tampa)

We will meet from 9 to 10am. If we have a big group, we will meet by the fountain in Hyde Park village, you can get your coffee from Buddy Brew and meet us there.

Georgia (Atlanta)

We will meet at the 57th Fighter Group THE 57TH FIGHTER GROUP RESTAURANT - https://www.the57threstaurant.com/ on Tuesday, October 7th, 5:30 - 7:30 pm for drinks and dinner. Please note that this gathering will be informal, and each person will be responsible for purchasing their own food and drinks. Please RSVP to Michele Harris, USAFA '83, at maharris83@bellsouth.net ASAP. We encourage spouses or guests to join us to celebrate this milestone!! Questions? Call me at 423-902-3168.

Georgia (Savannah)

It’s us! Let’s get together and celebrate 50 years of Service Academy Women!

Germany (Ramstein-Miesenbach)

Germany (Stuttgart)

A picnic in the park. 1200-1400: Schloss Solitude picnic in case of rain, we will meet in the restaurant.

Hawaii

We will gather to celebrate the power of uniting together in service at Ho'okua'āina. We will participate in an "Aloha 'Āina" workday which will be filled with education, inspiration, and deep connection to Hawaiian culture. We have limited space for this community gathering, and you must fill out a waiver form prior to participating. Once you sign up through this Eventbrite link, you will be given the form, details on what to bring, as well as how to find other "50 for 50" events happening nationwide.

Indiana

Illinois (Chicago)

Please RSVP by providing names to Bridget Altenburg at bridgetusma95@gmail.com

Illinois

The Cidery at Obed and Isaac's, 503 S. 7th Street, Springfield. Across from the Abraham Lincoln Home and next door to the main Obed and Isaac's restaurant, within a short walk of the capital building. There is limited indoor space at the Cidery bar to 20-30 folks, but there is outdoor space next door at Obed's and at other nearby downtown venues if our group ends up being larger which I hope it does!

Italy (Naples)

Kansas (Wichita)

Let Heather know you will be there.

Korea (Camp Casey)

Louisiana (New Orleans)

All SAW members and supporters are welcome! We’ll have cake, stories, and great company. Food (Taste of Kultures) and drinks are available for purchase on-site. Questions? Contact: Chrisy Walsh (USCGA 2009) at 860.405.5978

Maryland (Annapolis)

Tailgate time 1000 Group photo time 1100 Navy beats Air Force in Football 1200 ⚓️Cost to attend $25 (covers food and drinks) 🏈 Open to all- any academy, any year, any interest in football or lack thereof. Tailgate is kid friendly as well. 🇺🇸No ticket, no problem- I actually got a ticket block for hill seats so those interested can snag a ticket for the game if desired. Contact me for the link. If not- stay at the tailgate- we’ll be projecting the game or just enjoy the company. 🐐We have a big site, on grass, with a private porta potty, and will have all the bloody mary and mimosa fixings. If you’re interested please reach out to me- email- greateightstailgate@gmail.com

Maryland (Emmitsburg)

If you plan to attend, let Rose know and also RSVP. Service is at 3:30 pm, followed by a dinner.

Maryland (Ridgely)

The event is free, though advance registration via link (Google Doc) below is appreciated so the event host knows how many to expect. We'll meet indoors in the gallery room of Adkins Arboretum's Visitor Center. Depending on numbers attending and interest, a docent-led walk may be available. Light refreshments will be served.

Michigan (Ann Arbor)

Nearly fifty years ago, a groundbreaking moment changed the course of history. On October 7, 1975, President Gerald Ford signed Public Law 94-106, opening enrollment to women at all US service academies. On the 50th anniversary of that signing, Kathleen Kornahrens will tell of her experience as a member of the first class to include women at the US Air Force Academy. She will be joined by her classmate Colonel Gail Colvin, USAF (Ret.) to examine the legacy of President Ford's signature. Following the talk there will be a sale and signing of Kathleen’s book, “Bring Me Men…” Brought Women: Marching with the First Female Cadets at the U.S. Air Force Academy. To honor this milestone, we invite cadets, alumni, and supporters to write a note to the Ford family, recognizing President Ford’s leadership and enduring legacy. Mail your letters to: Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library 1000 Beal Ave Ann Arbor, MI 48109 Or email them at: https://www.fordlibrarymuseum.gov/contact-us Deadline: October 7, 2025

Mississippi

Luncheon on Columbus Air Force Base

Missouri (Lee Summit)

We will do a toast and have a cake provided. There will be a pay as you go social hour before from 5-7.

Missouri (St. Charles)

Food & drink will be pay as you go. Families welcomed RSVP to Mary Kidd, USMA '00 at 210-376-9049 or marykidd2020@gmail.com We'd like an idea of how many people will attend to make sure we reserve enough space

Nevada (Las Vegas)

Check in and RSVP with Nancy to get more details.

New Hampshire (Center Harbor)

We'll meet up at 10:30am at The Chamberlain-Reynolds Memorial Forest Loop trailhead(coord: 43.70672, -71.51737, Center Harbor, NH) for an easy, 2.5 mile hike in the peak of fall colors on Lake Squam. We'll get a group photo by the water! Should take us between 1 and 1 1/2 hrs to do the loop and get photos. For anyone interested, we can head to Twin Barns Brewing in Meredith afterwards for a bite. Pleaze RSVP to Rose by email and let her know you are coming.

New Jersey (Holmdel)

On Saturday, October 4th, join New Jersey women Service Academy graduates together to celebrate the 50th anniversary! Light refreshments will be provided and tours of the museum will be complimentary for all Service Academy women.

New Mexico (Albuquerque)

Service Academy Women of New Mexico - Legislation day celebration, Tuesday, October 7th, 11:30am to 1:00pm, New Mexico Veterans Memorial, 1100 Louisiana Blvd SE, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87108. Bring your own lunch/soft drinks provided. We'll start in the indoor meeting room and move out into the gardens if weather permits

New York, NY

***this event is at max capacity*** Please contact Dorian Price to confirm attendance prior to August 31.

North Carolina (Charlotte)

North Carolina (Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill)

It is a pay-as-you-go with individual tabs. There is food available if people want it and I want to announce that we will be taking a group pic at 7:00p. What appealed to us about Tobacco Wood is that it is North Carolina’s first woman veteran-owned brewery! An Army vet owns it and is excited to host us.

Ohio (Cleveland Heights)

Please RSVP and let them know you are coming.

Ohio (Beavercreek)

Attendees are welcome to join the AF – Navy Game Watch the SW Ohio USAFA AOG Chapter is sponsoring. Kick-off is at noon. Location: The Wandering Griffin Brewery & Restaurant, 3725 Presidential Drive, Beavercreek, OH. Lot’s of food and drink menu items available for attendees to purchase.

Oregon (Portland)

We will meet from 3-4 pm and plan to take a picture at 3:30. Ideally, we'd like to hear from you if you plan to attend. Academy spirit wear encouraged!

Pennsylvania (Camp Hill)

Join us for a double fun-filled evening celebrating both the US Navy's 250th birthday and the 50th Anniversary of the signing of legislation allowing women to attend the federal service academies. This in-person event promises delicious food and cash bar, camaraderie, networking, remarks, cake cutting and toasting online with other events across the country. $50 per person, VENMO Info by request

Pennsylvania (Carlisle)

***PLEASE RSVP (Link Below)*** Join us in Carlisle, PA, on Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Molly Pitcher Brewing Company! Catered lunch from Redd's Smokehouse BBQ, pay-as-you-go beer from Mollly's. Cost is $25 pp, payable to Mo directly – instructions will be in your confirmation email. Uniform is casual, spirit gear & team sport uniforms encouraged! Note: this is October in central PA – watch the weather forecast. The space is large enough to support props and memorabilia if you'd like to bring them (nothing too large). Group photo and sharing at 2:30 p.m. Lots of options to spend the weekend, visit the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center (USAHEC). Lorelei can provide recommendations on local lodging. Best, Lorelei (Wilson) Coplen '85, and Maura "Mo" (O'Brien) Gillen '86

South Carolina (Charleston)

South Carolina (Greenville)

This will be a casual get-together, open to all women in the area who attended any of the service academies.

Tennessee (Chattanooga)

Texas (Austin)

3:30-4:30 pm: Optional hike at Mckinney Falls State Park. Meet at the Smith Visitor Center parking lot. 5:00-8:00pm: Happy hour and meetup for the toast at Fast Friends Beer Company (owned by a USMA 2000 grad!)

Texas (Dallas/Fort Worth)

Please contact and RSVP Dorian Price or Kim Evans to let her know you are coming!

Texas (Dallas)

Join us for a easy, breezy meetup and walk around White Rock Lake. Bring your comfortable walking shoes! Pictures will be taken. For more information, please contact Dorian Price. We will meet at the parking lot next to the White Rock Lake Spillway near Garland Road (Fish Hatchery and Nature Trails).

Texas (Houston)

Join us at El Tiempo Cantina. Please ensure you RSVP to Angela Roth at 713-569-2342 NLT October 4th.

Texas (Tyler)

Let Erin know you will be coming! RSVP to ewhitney99@gmail.com

Utah (Salt Lake City)

Join fellow Service Academy Women for an evening of connection, celebration, recognition and some damn good beer as we celebrate 50 years of trailblazing, leadership, service and kicking ass. Fischer has daily food trucks for those wanting to grab dinner. Fischer is also hosting a band that night for those that want to continue the festivities.

Virginia (Louisa)

Limited seating: Only 10 people allowed. Contact host (Krista) for available seating

Virginia (Suffolk)

Please RSVP using Google Doc form below.

Virginia (Virginia Beach)

Please RSVP using the Google Form below

Washington State (Puget Sound/Tacoma)

Meet other SAW members, share sea stories, celebrate this historic milestone. Please RSVP No Later Than October 4th, 2025 by clicking on link below and filling out the number of attendees expected. Please order food ahead of your arrival and let them know you're part of the SAW Celebration. Takeout ordering link is also below.

Washington D.C. Area

We've just kicked off a two-pronged fundraising effort with the goal of making this event free for all grads who are able to attend. We have a full restaurant buyout and want this to be an occasion where we are truly celebrated! The crowdfunded prong of the fundraising is where each of us comes in. The link is up and live, https://gofund.me/421c29aa. Please share with your network and encourage them to support this effort. We also encourage SAW who aren't otherwise attending an event to consider donating, as this is intended to broadly celebrate the passage of the law and what it means to all SAW. Due to occupancy limitations, registration will be limited so please be sure to sign up when registration opens the week of Sept 15! We will also be opening registration in a way to encourage representation across all academies and decades. Thanks in advance for your patience as we provide additional details closer to 9/15.

Washington D.C. (Arlington)

We're adding an additional, meet-up on Sunday, October 5 at 10 am. It will be an in memoriam event in front of the Military Women's Memorial in Arlington to honor all fallen SAW. Any and all are welcome to stop by and there is no need to RSVP.