Veterans raising funds for future nurses

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The National Organization of La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux (40 & 8) has been presenting Nurses Training Scholarships since 1942, and the members of the local 40 & 8, Clinton County Voiture 992 (V-992), have been active in the program since they received their charter in 1984, naming their program the “Jeanette Payne Memorial Nursing Scholarship” in 2004.

Currently the small group of local veterans awards at least one $2,000 scholarship each academic year to a resident of Clinton County that has either been accepted by or enrolled in an accredited nursing program. V-992 has received national recognition for their efforts.

Why is this scholarship named for Jeanette Payne?

Alfred and Alma Simon could not have imagined that the future life’s work chosen by the bundle of joy they welcomed to their family on July 4th 1922, would be positively impacting that noble profession 96 years later.

Jeanette Mary (Simon) Payne graduated from Versailles High School in 1941 and the St. Elizabeth Nursing School in 1944, during WW II, when nurses were so desperately needed, there was even talk of a nursing draft. Dedicated to her chosen profession and a patriot, she enlisted in the U.S. Army Nurses Corps, serving from 1945 to 1946, including nine months in Puerto Rico.

Upon her return to Dayton, she began her civilian nursing career while earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing Education from the University of Dayton in 1951.

In 1953 Ms. Simon became Mrs. Richard Payne and began her next career as wife and mother. Mrs. Payne worked at several hospitals in the Dayton area with only a short hiatus to teach elementary school at St. Peter’s Catholic School during the mid ’60s, before moving to Clinton County in 1972.

After settling in Wilmington with her husband and three sons, Mrs. Payne utilized her degree in Nursing Education, training nurses at Clinton Memorial Hospital until her retirement, after nearly 41 years of service, in 1985.

Upon her death in 2003, the family wanted to honor her dedication to the nursing profession by assisting aspiring nurses.

Mr. Payne approached Clinton County Voiture 992 regarding their Nurses Training Program. When the veterans’ group learned of American Legion Post 49 and VFW Post 6710 member, Mrs. Payne, and her commitment to nursing, they felt compelled to join the family in memorializing her contributions to the nursing profession by naming their Nurses Training Scholarship, “The Jeanette Payne Memorial Nursing Scholarship.”

The demand for skilled nurses is increasing and accordingly the number of applications for the Jeanette Payne Scholarship has increased dramatically. Thanks to the generosity of American Legion Post 49 and the members of V-992, the group has been able to meet their goal of 1 scholarship an academic year and was able to award two $2,000 scholarships for the 2017-18 academic year.

Currently Voiture 992 has more applications than available funds, so, for the first time, they are asking the businesses and residents of Clinton County for their financial support.

The $30,000 (goal) fundraising campaign began Jan. 1 with donations from the V-992 membership and members of American Legion Post 49 kicking it off. However, the need is great and the program needs the community’s assistance to ensure that Mrs. Payne’s legacy will continue through the V-992 “Jeanette Payne Memorial Nursing Scholarship” program for many years to come.

Tax-deductible donations made out to American Legion Charities (memo: Jeanette Payne Scholarship) and mailed to Jack Rose, 267 N. Lincoln St. Wilmington, OH 45177 or dropped off at Wilmington Veterans Post 49, 140 E. Locust St., Wilmington, marked: Attn: Jack Rose.

Any Clinton County resident wishing to apply for a “Jeanette Payne Memorial Nursing Scholarship” should contact V-992 Nurses Training Directeur Paul Butler at [email protected].

Jeanette Payne’s photo from her 1944 graduation from nursing school.
http://www.wnewsj.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2018/01/web1_JEANETTE-PAYNE-PICTURE.jpgJeanette Payne’s photo from her 1944 graduation from nursing school. Courtesy photos

Brooke Rose receives the first semester check for $1,000 from Chef De Gare Charlie Shoemaker and V-992 Nurses Training Directeur Paul Butler while other members of Clinton County Voiture 992 gather to congratulate her.
http://www.wnewsj.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2018/01/web1_0101181900.jpgBrooke Rose receives the first semester check for $1,000 from Chef De Gare Charlie Shoemaker and V-992 Nurses Training Directeur Paul Butler while other members of Clinton County Voiture 992 gather to congratulate her. Courtesy photos

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