Military Women’s Luncheon

San Diego Military Women’s Luncheon

- A 32-Year Tradition -

By Holly Shaffner

What started as a few military women wanting to get together for lunch in 1989 has evolved into an annual tradition that is now 32 years old! The tradition is actually older than some of the women who attend.

For the first few years, the duties of planning the luncheon revolved around each of the branches taking a turn – USMC, USN, USCG, USA, USAF. The matriarch of the program was WWII Navy Cryptologist Evelyn Coy who served on the planning committee for 28 years and eventually took over as the committee treasurer. Evelyn’s legacy still lives on as the ladies talk about her spunk and spirit as they know she is controlling the planning meetings from heaven.

Today the luncheon is planned by a committee who selects the venue, meal, speaker and the duties are divided to these women who served during the Korea War to the Iraq War. As diverse as the ages are, so are the personalities; but they all have one thing in common…to ensure the luncheon continues.

The cost of tickets has gone up over the years due to increases in venue and food costs. Several members of the committee try to offset some of the costs each year by enlisting community partners to help. For several years, the Foundation for Women Warriors has donated dessert and that helps to support the event. Each year there is a little profit, and the committee chooses what woman veteran cause the proceeds will be donated to. The luncheon is marketed as the “Kick-off to Veterans Season” and typically 150 women attend from WWII era to today’s active duty. Even the college-aged ROTC all-female color guard has a good time getting to meet those who have come before them.

Saturday, October 29th

In 2021, the luncheon sold out, so planners had to move to a larger venue. This year the luncheon is on Saturday, Oct. 29 at Anchors Catering and Conference Center outside Naval Base San Diego. Check-in is at 10:30 a.m. with lunch and program at 11:30 a.m.

The cost is $40 per person and must be purchased in advance by going to: https://32ndMWL.eventbrite.com.

If you cannot make the luncheon and want to sponsor an active duty or veteran woman to attend, there are options for that too. For more information about the luncheon, please email: sdmilitarywomensluncheon@gmail.com