By DAISY WASHINGTON / Community Columnist

Tennessee native Patricia Wyatt along with William, her husband of 58 years, has called Harpersville home since 1955.

Pat, 81, as she is more commonly known is a retired Benefit Specialist.

She worked for State Farm Insurance Company for 30 years.

The wife of a decorated Air Force veteran, Pat fills her time by volunteering with a host of veterans organizations, the Dystonia Support Group of Alabama, of which she is president, and Chelsea Westover Homemakers and Community Leaders, of which she is also president.

Wyatt is involved with Keep the Spirit of 45 Alive, the organization which honors veterans of World War II, and is the auxiliary president of American Legion Unit 43, where William has been a member for the past 46 years.

Pat also volunteers with Blue Star Salute Foundation, Wreaths Across America and the Support Committee for the Alabama National Cemetery.

The Blue Star Salute Day convenes in appreciation for America’s military services of all Branches, Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard and the historical United States Merchant Marines.

Wreaths Across America remembers and honors deceased veterans in a wreath laying ceremony each December.

The Support Committee provides overall support to facilitate the enhancement, maintenance and expansion of the Alabama National Cemetery, and will participate in events commemorating all United States military veterans.

Formed nearly a century ago by the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service, the goal was to teach rural women canning and food preservation, well water safety and other homemaking skills.

Today its education endeavors have expanded to include areas of Citizenship, Health and Nutrition, Environment, Family Life as well as Homemaking Skills.

The 14-member club, comprised of ladies ranging from their 50s to their 80s in age, has provided a helping hand to a number of organizations in the community.

They have provided transportation to the voting polls during election time.

CWHCL, along with two other groups, was recognized for its leadership and support in the M4A Project Life Connect initiative on April 12 of this year.

Project Life Connect aims to distribute red, vinyl pouches to elderly or disabled residents across Shelby, Chilton, St. Clair, Blount and Walker counties.

The pouches contain a person’s medical and emergency contact information and are hung on the refrigerator for first responders to easily locate.

The group assembled thousands of the pouches within a matter of hours.

In 2015 CWHCL received RSVP’s Station Achievement Award for completing between 5,000 and 10,000 hours.

This year it was awarded a Blue Ribbon, and brought home a $150 monetary award for its exhibit at the Shelby County Fair.

Winnings help fund efforts such as five turkeys for Thanksgiving, assistance to Heavenly Smiles and benevolent work.