THE ROOM was filled with chatter and laughter while ladies reminisced over years of meetings and events where friendships were made, knowledge was gained, and the community was served. It was indeed a bittersweet moment for all in attendance as they said farewell to a club they had come to love so much.
After 70 years of serving the community, The AEDC Welcome Club held its final meeting at the Arnold Lakeside Complex at Arnold Air Force Base.
The club officially formed in 1953 as the AEDC Women’s Club and later changed its name to the AEDC Welcome Club. The club hosted numerous events over its 70-year history, such as plays, fashion shows, scholarship drives, and Valentine’s dances.
According to current member Ann Wonder, due to a number of factors, the decision was made to dissolve the club. For the meeting, Wonder said both past and present members were in attendance.
“We welcomed current and past members,” she said. “Some of the past commander’s wives still live in the area and could attend, and some came in from out of town. It was nice having some of the former ladies be able to attend.
Wonder, who joined the club shortly after moving back to Tullahoma, said the club allowed her to acclimate back into her hometown.
“I moved back here in 2005. As my husband was Navy, there were several Navy positions, so we were able to come back while he was still on active duty,” she explained. “He then retired and got a job with the base. My mother was also a member for a number of years. Becoming a member was a great way to meet fellow Air Force wives and make new friends. I enjoyed my time with the club and am thankful for all the friendships I’ve made and all of the opportunities to serve the community.”
During the club’s 70 years, it has been active in serving the community in a variety of ways. Along with awarding scholarships to area students, the club donated each month to charitable agencies, including The Good Samaritan, Fisher House Foundation Inc., Toys for Tots Campaign, The Blue Monarch, The United Way, the Coffee County Literacy Council, and more.
Over the years, the club welcomed countless guests who presented educational programs for the members each month.
“We welcomed people from in and around the community,” she said. “From the rangers with the area state parks to musicians, authors, and a number of people who helped us learn more about the community and all of the wonderful people and places in each city and community.”
While this meeting marks the last time the group of women will meet officially, Wonder said everyone agreed to keep in contact with each other.
“We all hope to stay in touch and do whatever we can to make that happen,” she said. “We have a Facebook page that we all share and are hoping to be able to post meet-up times where we can all get together. We also have an active book club, so that will enable us to come together as well.” GN
