Wright State student organizes luncheon to honor women in the military

Cheli Chappell is organizational leadership major at Wright State and an Air Force veteran.

Wright State’s College of Education and Human Services will fund a luncheon to support and honor women in the military on Saturday, Nov. 4.

Cheli Chappell, an organizational leadership major at Wright State and a veteran of the Air Force, organized the luncheon through Mothers and Daughters United, Inc., a nonprofit organization she founded to promote the welfare of women and children by provided educational services, as well as seminars, workshops and events.

The event takes place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Dayton Women’s Club, 225 N. Ludlow Street. The event is free for veterans and women actively serving in the military, and $35 for adults and $18 for children 13 and younger.

Chappell’s daughter, Desireé, inspired to start Mothers and Daughters United. She wanted to create social gatherings to enhance their relationship, as well as relationships between other mothers and daughters.

“I have a great relationship with my mother and wanted to have the same with her,” Chappell said. “As we interacted doing mother and daughter activities, I thought how wonderful it would be to do this with other mothers and daughters. My daughter continues to inspire me, and she’s my biggest supporter.”

During her time in the Air Force, Chappell was stationed at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada in the 57th Fighter Squadron, where she maintained flight records for pilots. Her office was responsible for ensuring that F16 Fighter pilots were eligible to fly and keep track of their training hours.

Her service in the military inspired her to create a luncheon to honor women in the military.

“As a veteran, I thought it was important to honor and celebrate women in the military who are serving or have served our country,” she said. “Military women often times are overlooked for their contributions for their service. I wanted them to know that I care.”

The military luncheon is also a way for Mothers and Daughters United to honor women who served in the military. This year, the theme is “Salute the Uniform.”
The luncheon will include a fashion show sponsored by Tanger Outlets Jeffersonville, which offers veteran discounts, and Life’s Transition for Me, a program that coaches women in transitioning from military life to civilian life.

Chappell often employs other Wright State organizational leadership students to assist with the event. Students volunteer with Mothers and Daughters United as well as create PowerPoint presentations, assist with marketing and assist in hosting the luncheon.

“Our mission at Mothers and Daughters United, Inc., is to promote the general welfare of women and children in education, health, parenting, leadership and relationship building that helps strengthen the bond between mothers and her children,” Chappell said.