“Colorado Calling” was the theme of the FAUSA annual meeting held September 23-26th in Durango, Colorado. Members and guests from all over the USA gathered for three days of FAUSA business, education, fundraising and the joy of connecting with friends old and new.

FAUSA elected a new board of Directors. The 2009-2011 board members are: Louise Greeley-Copley (Houston and AW Surrey), President; Yolanda Henry (Ontario, AW Surrey and Singapore) 1st VP Membership; Linda Little (Cincinnati and AWG Paris), 2nVP; Nancy Thornley (Cape Cod and AWA Rome), Secretary; and Sue Ripps (Atlanta and AW Vienna), Treasurer.

Our guest speakers included: Professor Duane Smith from the history department at Ft. Lewis College, and Santa Fe Author: Hampton Sides who spoke about his book “Blood and Thunder: The Epic Story of Kit Carson and the Conquest of the American West.”
Dorothy and Tom Childers did an outstanding job of planning a very enjoyable experience for everyone. Our well travelled group soaked up the local history and folklore presented by local historians, guides and entertainment. Liz Hemminger FAUSA’s charity fundraising chair organized a beautiful gala, which set new records for FAUSA fundraising achieving $5000! Kay Miller donated a spectacular quilt with a theme of gold aspen leaves, which was raffled and won by Nancy Donohue. Over $1800 was raised for the FAUSA Education Award fund.

FAWCO members returning to the USA are encouraged to join FAUSA. The camaraderie and the ability to share your expat successes and sorrows are priceless. The support and friendship of fellow members, opportunities to travel with FAUSA and FAWCO, and Educational awards for you and your family are benefits of membership. When it is time to come home, you have a friend in FAUSA!

By Louise Greeley-Copley