(In Memorium)

Delah A. Washburn of Wichita Falls, Texas assumed her position as the Houston Regional Director for the Texas Veterans Commission on May 1, 2007. She oversaw 44 employees, 16 offices, covering 90 counties.

Prior to the Houston region she served with the Texas Veterans Commission as a Senior Veterans Counselor at Sheppard Air Force Base. She was responsible for complex managerial work overseeing the daily operations and activities of the Houston Region Claims Representation and Counseling Program for the State of Texas. The Executive Director of the Texas Veterans Commission appointed Mrs. Washburn as the Women Veterans Program Manager for the State of Texas.

At the time of her death, she was President of the National Association of State Women Veterans Coordinators, Inc. She was a spokesperson to Senate Hearings, Congressional Committees and National forums regarding concerns of veterans as well as a frequent representative to the White House.

She was a frequent recipient of honors and awards including Texas Veterans Commission Commissioner's Appreciation Award for her work with the homeless veterans program and for the development and procurement of the first Texas VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) in Wichita Falls. She received a certificate of appreciation from the Director, VA Regional Office in Waco, Texas for her support of VA programs to assist homeless veterans. She received a Certificate of Outstanding Achievement from the Director, VA Medical Center, Oklahoma City for her excellent performance and superior achievements of service on behalf of veterans. He gratefully acknowledged her efforts and assistance in the implementation of a Community Based Clinic in the greater Wichita Falls area.

She was presented the prestigious Vietnam Veterans Foundation of Texas, Inc. distinguished service award in recognition and grateful appreciation for her thirty-two years of service to her country, her fellow veterans, their families, and the State of Texas. The Chapel of the Four Chaplains presented her the Legion of Honor Award on January 31, 2009 in recognition of her service to all people regardless of race or faith.

Delilah entered the United States Air Force in 1970 and served for over 20 years. A graduate of the Air Force First Sergeants Academy at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, she was returned to Sheppard Air Force Base to serve as First Sergeant until her retirement in 1990. Her distinguished career earned her numerous awards and honors from military, civic, and professional organizations. Her military decorations include Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with three oak leaf clusters, Air Force Organizational Excellence Award, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with five oak leaf Clusters, and Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Medal with palm.

Delilah earned a Bachelors of Science degree from Wayland Baptist University of' Plainview, Texas. Her major was Business Management, with specialization in Education and Training Methodology.

Delilah was a member of and held leadership roles in the American Legion, Twenty and Four Honor Society of Women Legionnaires, Disabled American Veterans, Texas Association of Vietnam Veterans and Veterans of Foreign Wars. The VFW Commander in Chief appointed her as National Vice Chair of Veterans Services 2008 - 2009. She was a co-founder and President of the Disabled Veterans National Foundation. She was an authorized Service Officer of The Military Order of the Purple Heart of the United States, Inc., American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and The Texas Veterans Commission.

Delilah received recognition for the Outstanding Leadership category for the 2005, 2006 and 2008; Executive Director of the Texas Veterans Commission nominated Delilah for Outstanding Women in Texas Government and she received numerious certificates from the Governor.

She is survived by her husband, Chief Master Sergeant Ronald P. Washburn, U.S. Air Force, Retired, three children, and five grandchildren.