Connie Leighliter Budge

I was born and raised in West Virginia. I graduated from the Ohio Valley School of Nursing with an RN degree.  While I was working at Ohio State University Hospital in Columbus I interviewed with AA nd was hired.My graduation class was 65/13.  I was based at LGA and would have happily flown forever but married 2nd. Lt. Arthur Parker in 1967 and had to resign.  Art and I had a son shortly before he went to Vietnam, where, sadly, he died in 1968.

 

I became a Kiwi in early 1968.  I moved to the West Point, NY area early 1969 where I met Major Larry Budge--we married Dec. 1970.  We celebrated our 50th anniversary in 2020!  In all our moves, I've been a  MAL, and belonged to chapters in Seattle, Colorado Springs, Washington, DC (where I served as President, VP, and Treasurer, etc--I was a member of DC for 34 years).  I'm currently  co-founder and President of the Lowcountry Chapter.

 

Through the years, I've served as National Kiwi Treasurer, Vice President, and President (2002-2004).  I have currently served as 2nd VP (database coordinator) 2017-2022.  I've enjoyed all my involvement with Kiwis thru the years--and blessed by dear, wonderful Kiwi friendships.