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A Tribute to RAFA Ladies Just Because

Published:Wednesday | May 27, 2015 | 6:39 PMJody-Anne Lawrence
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Brian McCalla
Captain Craig Lewis-Mayne hands Professor Emerita Elsa Leo-Rhynie, guest speaker, a lovely orchid as a token of thanks for her motivating speech.
Brian McCalla
From left: Corporal Juliet Clarke, Staff Sergeant Carleen Sutherland, Lance Corporal Nickesha Francis, and Sergeant Patricia Lynch – just a few of the women who are serving their country.
Brian McCalla
From left: Wives of veterans Jan Neish and Merline Bardowell pose for the camera with Professor Emerita Elsa Leo-Rhynie, guest speaker.
Brian McCalla
Sara Dower smiles radiantly while at the RAFA Jamaica 580 Branch’s Annual Ladies Luncheon.
Brian McCalla
Setyoon Smith (left) and Maria Christian showcase their musical styles on steel pan.
Brian McCalla
From left: Corporal Michael Thomas; Merline Bardowell, wife of a veteran; Sergeant Oraine Riley; and Private Ricardo Brown smile for the camera at the RAFA Jamaica 580 Branch’s Annual Ladies Luncheon.
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Many were strangers, brought together by their valiant husbands who gave of themselves for queen and country. Wives of World War II veterans greeted, comforted, and exchanged stories at the 69th Annual Ladies

Luncheon of the Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA) Jamaica 580 Branch at Curphey Place on Wednesday.

Veterans and their wives were in attendance, reminiscing on days gone by as baritone laughter filled the room, hovering above the Stella Maris Steel Band.

Though the programme started a few minutes late, that did not affect the schedule of events as master of ceremony Chairman of the RAFA Retired Major Johanna Lewin kept it moving effortlessly. The welcome by Retired Major General Robert Neish, president of the RAFA, commenced the proceedings, after which the Stella Maris Steel Band played Happy Birthday for 92-year-old veteran and chaplain Stan Ottey.

Palates were then enchanted by a delicious spread prepared by JAMPRO's Angella Lindo. The three-course meal started with a delectable cream of pumpkin soup, followed by an appetising main course of Chicken Florentine, escoveitched fish fillet, and curried goat with rice and gungo peas, pasta salad, and steamed vegetables. The meal was topped off with a carrot cake that would have had Julia Child saying 'Bon apÈtit'.

During lunch, Lieutenant Commander John McFarlane serenaded the women with his timeless voice and songs.

After stomachs were filled, Merline Bardowell gave a

flowery introduction of the woman of the hour (half hour) - Professor Emerita Elsa Leo-Rhynie. Her words were encouraging to every ear. Reminiscing about her mother's own battle with feeling like an outsider when she lost her husband after 60 years of marriage, she explained how she overcame her loneliness with positive thinking. To reinforce her point, she quoted research published in the American Psychological Association's Psychology and Ageing journal, which showed how positive thinking helps ageing individuals.

She closed by noting that the work of veterans laid the foundation for today's society and, therefore, veterans should be appreciated.

The afternoon closed with a raffle, and every woman left with a beautiful flower and a treat from Chocolate Dreams, which has a been a long-standing supporter of the RAFA.