Oct 6 Jannette had the opportunity to speak at Tacoma Golf and Club.

Oct 6 Jannette had the opportunity to speak at Tacoma Golf and Club. Thanks to the Madigan Major General for great letter of recognition.

What Jannette has been up to since returning from Ms. Wheelchair America

Jannette has been very busy these last few months since returning from the National Ms. Wheelchair America Pageant. As the current 2010 1st Runner Up Ms. Wheelchair America, Jannette has been in demand and working hard in Washington state as an advocate, community leader and overall inspiration for people with and without disabilities. I am so proud of her and to call her my friend too!

~Tammy Wilber

Ms. Wheelchair Washington State Coordinator

Jannette feature in Northwest Guardian

Link to Newspaper article in Northwest Guardian
http://www.nwguardian.com/103/story/6034.html
Report from Ms. Wheelchair WA, Jannette Saxton 10/2/2009
The Fort Lewis Installation Newspaper, the Northwest Guardian came to my workplace at The Soldier Readiness Center to compose a beautiful article regarding my experience at Ms. Wheelchair America 2010 in Rapid City, South Dakota. Staff writer and former Servicewoman Laura Levering captured the essence of Ms. Wheelchair Washington Program. Many thanks to photographer Ingrid who took some amazing pictures to accompany the story. We encountered a positive response from Soldiers and civilians alike. Thank you again.- Jannette Saxton, Ms. Wheelchair Washington 2009

Beginning of article:

A beauty queen with a message
www.nwguardian.com
Jannette Saxton, 2009 Ms. Wheelchair Washington, finished first runner up at the Ms. Wheelchair America competition held Aug. 29 in South Dakota. Saxton works as a U.S. Army mobilization and deployment specialist at Fort Lewis.

Oct 4 Ms. Wheelchair Washington was given 2 coins when she met with the General

She receieved one coin from the General and one coin from the Col at Madigan.

Jannette says, “It was a pleasure to meet the LTC with the Wounded Warriors. He is an incomplete SCI and serves us proudly. THANK YOU!”

Report from Ms. Wheelchair WA, Jannette Saxton 10/2/2009
As part of Disability Awareness month I have been proud to take part in numerous events this October. The Wounded Warrior Battalion welcomed Brigadier General Munson as part of their Town Hall visit and meeting with Fort Lewis’ Soldier and Family Resource Center where wounded and their Families come to take part in the rehabilitation process and bond with one another. General Munson and Colonel Keller of Madigan Army Medical Center arrived to think the Wounded Warriors and their Families for their sacrifice at home and overseas.

I was honored to receive two recognition of excellence coins from the Colonel and Brigadier General who wished to acknowledge The Ms. Wheelchair Washington’s deep commitment to Veterans living with disabilities. I wish to take a moment to recognize the courage of Lieutenant Colonel (LTC), Danny Dudek, and the Wounded Warrior Battalion Commander for the installation. LTC Dudek has incomplete spinal cord injury and serves bravely alongside other Service Members who have experienced the impact of disability and the meaning of service to fellow man. It was a joy to meet a leader so passionate about the well-being of his Soldiers.

In my time as Ms. Wheelchair Washington I have continually expressed a deep to overflowing well of gratitude for those men and women who have and are currently served in the United States Armed Forces. I felt a deep sense of pride in my country as well as being a member of population that daily, optimistically overcome obstacles to make a difference and shine by example. I will treasure my coins always aware of the influence positive, compassionate and inspiring leadership can have on those on a magnificent journey of wellness.

Bates Technical College, Disability Awareness Day, Featuring Ms. Wheelchair Washington and Keynote speaker, Mark Wellman

Jannette enjoyed speaking at Bates.
“Thanks to the people from Seattle Adaptive Sports and Tacoma Metro Parks as well. Mark Wellman is amazing!”

Report from Ms. Wheelchair WA, Jannette Saxton 10/15/2009
I thoroughly enjoyed acting as the Master of Ceremonies for Bates Technical College’s, (Tacoma Campus), Disability Awareness Day. The key note speaker Mark Wellman sustained a spinal cord injury after falling during a rock climb. Mr. Wellman lives by and speaks to the philosophy of “No Limits.” He has made extraordinary efforts to include all individuals regardless of abilities or physical limitations in climbing and other execrating outdoor activities such as mountain climbing and biking. The audience watched a video that highlighted the artistry and beauty of disabled body border, a hang glider, para-sailor and a scuba who wildly pursued their passions. Mark spoke to the creation and use of specialized climbing gear for individuals unable to use their legs to climb. I was inspired by Mark’s focus and drive. His story was truly an encouragement to those who have wondered just what to do with those mountains in their way. After listening to Mark my advice is to simply start climbing and upon reaching the summit you may just find the victory has been in the brilliance of the journey. As you oversee the valley below; you may discover your struggles and triumphs have in fact blazed a unique trial of accomplishment for those coming after you looking to conquer their fears and live in victory; using what was met to hinder you for the good and benefit of your community.
For more information on Mark Wellman

http://us.mc529.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=info@nolimitstahoe.com
www.nolimitstahoe.com

Jannette featured on Army Media TV

October 18th:
Update on Jannette Saxton Ms. Wheelchair Washington 2009/ 2010 1ST Runner up, Ms. Wheelchair America:

Link to Story about Ms. Wheelchair Washington on
The Army Media Player is the official video player of the US Army.
http://www.army.mil/media/amp/?bcpid=6981683001&bctid=44772271001

Reception held in honor of Ms. Wheelchair Washington:

Reception held in honor of Ms. Wheelchair Washington:
Report From Jannette, 10/18/2009
“Tonight precious church home in Steilacoom is holding a reception in recognition of my time as Ms. Wheelchair Washington 2009. Thank you to my friends and family for praying a supporting me. Your love and generosity have spurred me on the amazing place I am today. Thank you”

Oct 26th- Jannette attendees Disability Awareness Day at Pierce College

Oct 26th- Jannette attendees Disability Awareness Day at Pierce College
Jannette Saxton “Speaking at Pierce College Puyallup Campus for Disability Awareness Day! It was wonderful to attend! Thanks so much to everyone for your ongoing support of the Ms. Wheelchair WA Program!”

Here is an article about the event: http://www.pierce.ctc.edu/news/?m=200810
For more information, contact Patrick Murrell via phone at (253) 864-3301 or via email at pmurrell@pierce.ctc.edu.

http://www.pierce.ctc.edu/news/?m=200810

Ms. Wheelchair WA and Power wheelchair soccer

Oct 27th
Jannette Saxton Ms. Wheelchair Washington INVITED TO plays wheelchair soccer
Report from Jannette: 10/27/09
“Thank you to the great people at Pierce College, and thanks to Tom for inviting me to play soccer with the Rollin' Thunder!”

For more information on the Rollin Thunder and Wheelchair Soccer, visits their website:
http://www.rollingthundr.org/index.htm

Nov 5th: FORT HOOT SHOOTING:

Nov 5th: FORT HOOD SHOOTING:
Jannette says “Thoughts and prayers with the fine people of Ft. Hood. Keep the families of those who have been killed in your prayers!
Jannette Saxton http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/11/06/fort.hood.munley/index.html

Nov 9th: Jannette was invited to speak at for an organization called MOPS

“Mothers of Pre-Schoolers” conference- She spoke about what it is like being a child with a disability
MOPS stands for Mothers of Preschoolers. MOPS International exists to meet the needs of every mom - urban, suburban and rural moms, stay-at-home and working moms, teen, single and married moms - moms with different lifestyles who all share a similar desire to be the very best moms they can be! MOPS recognizes that the years from infancy through kindergarten are foundational in a mother-child relationship and are filled with unique needs.
MOPS photo:
MOPS website: http://www.mops.org/

Ms. Wheelchair America Documentary: DEFINING BEAUTY

Nov 10th- Have you heard of the documentary called “Defining Beauty: More than Just a Sash and a Crown? Jannette Saxton, Ms. Wheelchair Washington will be featured in the documentary. Here is more information about the documentary
Ms. Wheelchair America Documentary: DEFINING BEAUTY

Description:
MS.WHEELCHAIR AMERICA is a feature length documentary focusing on the extraordinary lives of the women of Ms. Wheelchair America and their journey toward the 2010 Ms. Wheelchair America pageant. It is the story of women who challenge themselves on a daily basis to live life beyond their limitations and by doing so, redefine the perception of beauty and what it means to be disabled.Women from twenty-seven states, with different disabilities, compete in this national competition every year. Since 1972 the mission of Ms. Wheelchair America has been to “provide an opportunity for women of achievement, who happen to be wheelchair users, to successfully educate and advocate for the more than 52 million Americans living with disabilities.” Unlike traditional beauty pageants, this is not a contest to select the most attractive contestant, instead it’s a competition based on “advocacy, achievement, communication and presentation to select the most accomplished and articulate spokesperson for individuals with disabilities.”

Here is their website: http://definingbeautydoc.blogspot.com/
Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=60228618490
Here is a YouTube video to give you an idea of what the documentary is going to be like: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6Cn09NIOZo

Nov 11th- Veterans Day

During this past year, Jannette has had the opportunity to be a VIP guest at the National Veterans Games, and meet many members of the Northwest Paralyzed Veterans of America Chapter and on this Veterans Day, Jannette has this to say”
“Thank you to the men and women who have served so tirelessly to protect America's shores and have selflessly left their loved ones behind to serve overseas! Happy Veterans Day, the country is better and brighter because of you!”
Jannette Saxton, Ms. Wheelchair WA 2009

Jannette & Soldier at Mariners Game

November: Logan Magazine Feature:

Over the summer Jannette, myself (Tammy Wilber) and Logan Olsen, Founder and CEO of Logan magazine had a chance to have lunch at Nordstrom Café in Spokane, WA. Logan created a magazine a few years ago after she sustained a brain injury at 16 years old.

The mission of Logan Magazine is to inspire, encourage, and inform young people with disabilities about how to lead a lifestyle that is productive, purposeful and pleasurable. Their goal is to motivate young people to live, work, play, dream big and look great experience all life has to offer.
Support a great magazine by subscribing at the website:
http://www.loganmagazine.com/
Logan magazine and the Ms. Wheelchair Washington Program has a lot of the same values and that is to encourage people with disabilities in Washington and nationally, to
“Live life to the fullest, despite whatever challenges we all have and to make dreams come true!”

Four Police Officers Were Shot and Killed in Ms. Wheelchair Washington's hometown of Lakewood, WA

11/30/09
Jannette Saxton, Ms. Wheelchair WA 2009- Lives in the town of Lakewood, WA, where there were 4 officers shot and killed at Parkland Forza today.
Jannette says “She sends her prayers and may God be with their families and the police force.”
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2010482691_apusofficersshotpa4thldwritethru.html

We all have to be so thankful for the officers that risk their lives everyday!

December 6th- Congratulations to Jannette Saxton on buying her first house!!!

It has been a very busy year as Ms. Wheelchair Washington and through this year, Jannette has done so many incredible things. I am so excited for her and her success, even during these hard times she has bought her first accessible house. I know this is a huge success for anyone and I know it will make her quality of life that much better!! I can't wait to have a get together!! As State Coordinator of the pageant, I have the honor of getting to know each contestant and title holder every year. I am so blessed that the last few Ms. Wheelchair Washington's have become some of my dearest friends!
I am so happy for you Jannette and wish you much happiness in your new home
~Tammy Wilber
Ms. Wheelchair WA State Coordinator