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2011-2012 National Guard


Ready, Set, Go Colette!


“We need to find innovative ways to blow our own horn, do things for veterans that are noteworthy and newsworthy. We need to work smarter and not harder.”


i 12 LADIES AUXILIARY VFW MAGAZINE


ince the day she was born, New National Guard Colette Bishop has been immersed in the mission and activities of the Ladies Auxiliary VFW. Born during her parents’ terms as 8th District President and Commander, it was a natural step just six years later to join the Junior Girls Unit of Auxiliary 1303, Rock Island, Illinois. In 1975, she joined the Auxiliary under the eligibility of her father, Robert E. Plum, who served in the United States Navy during World War II.


She took on chairmanships and offices at every level of the organization, including District President in 1980-81 and Department President in 1997-98. Her first national appointment came in 2002 when she was chosen Chief of Staff by National President Diana Stout. From then on she served in national appointments every year except her term as Big 10 Conference President.


During those years, she often thought she would like to take on the role of a national officer someday, but when she met her second husband, Dave, she decided against it. He was her number-one priority and she wanted nothing to shortchange that relationship.


Both Colette and her husband


reconsidered, however, when Auxiliary friends and mentors began to voice their visions for her future. At National Convention in Salt Lake City, they made it clear: “We expect her to be National President


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