The following Colonial Dames are (l- r) Mrs. Ben Alderman, South Carolina State president; Mrs. Donald Swanson, member, National Honorary President General; Colonel Tara Osborn, USA, member, guest speaker; and Mrs. Frank Copeland Jr., member, National Honorary President General The Governor Robert Gibbes Chapter of the National Society Colonial Dames XVII Century was proud to have member and Columbia native, Colonel Tara Osborn, USA, as the main speaker at its May 2009 meeting. A career officer, Colonel Osborn currently serves as circuit judge, Judge Advocate General's Corps, Ft. Stewart, Georgia. She has also served overseas in Germany and Korea. Colonel Osborn was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service in Iraq.

Colonel Osborn shared her training and combat experiences during Desert Storm, Iraq, noting she was the first JAG officer in Iraq. She compared civil court to military court.

Colonel Osborn has been a member of the National Society Colonial Dames XVII Century since 1986. She currently serves as the chapter's chair of the National Defense Committee.

In addition to Col. Osborn, three Guests of Honor attended the meeting. The Gov. Robert Gibbes Chapter is fortunate

to have two National Honorary President Generals

among its membership: Mrs. Donald (Anne) Swanson and Mrs. Frank (Mincy) Copeland Jr. Mrs. Copeland was a founding member of the Gov. Robert Gibbes Chapter. Mrs. Ben (Ann) Alderman, President, South Carolina State Society, presented Distinguished Service certificates to chapter members, Colonel Tara Osborn and Mrs Penrod (Betta) Hepfer.