ODISHO ASSI
Purple Heart Recipient US Army Linguist, 308th Civil Affairs Brigade Operation Iraqi Freedom
Odisho Assi was born in Habbania, Iraq, and raised in Baghdad. He was an Agricultural Engineer who dreamed of one day working alongside the United States. It was a dream with enormous risk in a nation ruled by the Ba’ath regime, which he and his wife refused to join. He joined the American embassy, making him a prime target. As tensions grew between the United States and Iraq, Odisho knew his wife and five children’s safety was in jeopardy, so he made the brave decision to leave everything behind to seek a better future in America.
Once in the United States, Odisho remained committed to both his new home and the dream of helping rebuild the country he left behind. He answered the call to help the United States by joining the United States Army as a linguist. He provided support to over 153 civil affairs missions throughout Iraq, covering over 10,000 road miles of territory with his extensive knowledge of its geography, language and tribal structure.
During a mission through the hostile territory of the highly dangerous red zone between Baghdad and Karbala, their convoy was ambushed. A bomb exploded directly underneath their Humvee. Despite sustaining injuries and losing almost his entire hearing from the explosion, he exited the Humvee under fire. He spotted the insurgents in the trees and alerted nearby forces, helping eliminate the threat and saving American lives.
For his extraordinary courage and sacrifice, he was awarded the Purple Heart, becoming the first Iraqi Assyrian Chaldean Christian to receive this prestigious military honor. General David Petraeus personally flew in to present the award.
Mr. Odisho Assi is a man whose life embodies honor and service, and stands as a powerful testament to resilience, sacrifice, and unwavering loyalty to both his heritage and the United States of America.
LT. COLONEL CINDY HALE
Lt. Colonel Cindy Hale United States Air Force Deputy Director White House Medical Unit
Cindy Hale was born and raised in Chippewa Lake, MI where she lived with her parents, a sister, and two brothers. She earned an Associate Degree in Nursing from Ferris State University in 1978. She worked as a Registered Nurse in Lansing and transferred to Tawas Hospital where she was Deputy Director of Nursing until 1991. She married her husband, Jim, in 1998.
In 1991, she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from U of M and joined the Air Force. She was stationed in Oscoda, MI at Wurtsmith AFB for about 18 months before being transferred to Travis AFB in California.
In 1998, she applied for and was selected for the White House Medical Unit (WHMU) and promoted to rank of Lieutenant Colonel. She worked with President Clinton from July 1998 - January 2001. In January 2001, she was designated to be the nurse for Pres- ident Bush and his family.
Her most memorable day during the Bush Administration was September 11, 2001. She was on Air Force One the morning of 9/11, preparing for the return flight to D.C., when the first plane hit the tower. They initially thought it was an accident, but when the second plane hit, they knew it was no accident.
On Thanksgiving Day 2003, she was part of a small contingent of people who went on a stealth mission to Iraq. President Bush was there to give a Thanksgiving Blessing to the troops. The energy and excitement of the troops when President Bush came out was truly over the top. The news of the visit was not released until they were airborne and heading back to D.C.
She spent the full eight years with President Bush, left the WHMU in January 2009 and worked for Pentagon Flight Med, retiring in December 2011. Sadly, her husband, Jim, died in June 2022.
Since retirement, she has been involved with the Veterans Ministry to service veterans in their church, community and state. She was married on May 9, 2025.
BETTE KENWARD
Michigan Director & National Past Vice President of Expansion American Rosie the Riveter Associati
Cindy Hale was born and raised in Chippewa Lake, MI where she lived with her parents, a sister, and two brothers. She earned an Associate Degree in Nursing from Ferris State University in 1978. She worked as a Registered Nurse in Lansing and transferred to Tawas Hospital where she was Deputy Director of Nursing until 1991. She married her husband, Jim, in 1998.
In 1991, she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from U of M and joined the Air Force. She was stationed in Oscoda, MI at Wurtsmith AFB for about 18 months before being transferred to Travis AFB in California.
In 1998, she applied for and was selected for the White House Medical Unit (WHMU) and promoted to rank of Lieutenant Colonel. She worked with President Clinton from July 1998 - January 2001. In January 2001, she was designated to be the nurse for Pres- ident Bush and his family.
Her most memorable day during the Bush Administration was September 11, 2001. She was on Air Force One the morning of 9/11, preparing for the return flight to D.C., when the first plane hit the tower. They initially thought it was an accident, but when the second plane hit, they knew it was no accident.
On Thanksgiving Day 2003, she was part of a small contingent of people who went on a stealth mission to Iraq. President Bush was there to give a Thanksgiving Blessing to the troops. The energy and excitement of the troops when President Bush came out was truly over the top. The news of the visit was not released until they were airborne and heading back to D.C.
She spent the full eight years with President Bush, left the WHMU in January 2009 and worked for Pentagon Flight Med, retiring in December 2011. Sadly, her husband, Jim, died in June 2022.
Since retirement, she has been involved with the Veterans Ministry to service veterans in their church, community and state. She was married on May 9, 2025.
COLONEL (RET) CHARLES CONE
Colonel (RET) Charles Cone U.S. Navy, Air National Guard, & U.S. Air Force
Throughout his illustrious military career, Colonel Charles Cone served in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. Through the Navy, the Air National Guard, and the U.S. Air Force. Charles married Jo in 1950. They have three children, Jim, Laurie, and Shryl. His wife, Jo died in 2019.
He received Navy wings on June 6, 1947 and was discharged from the U.S. Navy in 1949. He joined the Wisconsin Air National Guard 128th Fighter Wing in June 1950. He switched to the U.S. Air Force (USAF) in 1950, serving in Korea in 1953 flying B-26 with the 13th Bomb Squadron, night interdiction.
Charles was assigned an Ohio State University USAF scholarship, where he received the Distinguished Graduate recognition as Navigator and Bombardier in 1957. In 1957, he was assigned to the 22nd Bomb Wing, 33rd Bomb Squadron, flying B-47 jet bombers from 1957-1963. He was assigned a Texas A&M University USAF scholarship and graduated in 1964. From 1964-1968 he was the IT Director at the Defense Construction Supply Center.
He completed training on B-66 for Vietnam service and was promoted to Colonel in 1968. He served at the USAF Air Training Command from 1969-1970 as IT Director. Charles served in Vietnam from 1970-1971 as IT Director. Upon returning from Vietnam, he was Vice Commander of the USAF Data Systems Design Center from 1971- 1972 and USAF Tactical Command from 1972-1973, IT Director. Charles retired from the USAF October of 1973.
Charles was a flight instructor from 1976-2025 specializing in multi engine, single engine, and seaplanes. He flew eighty-six different aircraft models and attained the highest FAA pilot rating of Air Transport Pilot. At the age of 96, he completed helicopter training and voluntarily piloted 30 medical missions for Airlifeline and Angel Flight.
Major military awards: Air Medal, Joint Services Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Two Legion of Merit Medals, and Presidential Unit Citation.
Throughout his life, Charles Cone has distinguished himself through service to his country, his family and his community!
