Blaine Hudnall, President Filipino American Society-Iowa

By: Ryan Tejero

 

Iowa welcomes a new organization, The Filipino American Society (FAS) – Iowa. Over the past few years, the number of Filipinos in Iowa has been growing. Fil-Am leaders have been actively involved in major community events that promote diversity and ethnic relevance.

There is also a significant number of Filipinos who are married to American nationals from Iowa. The birth of this new organization comes with the mission to integrate American heritage and culture while maintaining, preserving and promoting Filipino heritage. The FAS is guided with the Bayanihan spirit and the commitment to a meaningful cooperation and camaraderie, unselfishly caring for others and working for the common good.

FAS held its first Annual Valentine’s Ball on February 7, 2015 at the Holiday Inn Airport & Conference Center in Des Moines. The officers and members of the Board of Directors were inducted during this event. Mr. Greg Edwards, who is the President and CEO of the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau and Area Sports Commission was the honorary guest speaker. A number of activities for the year 2015 has been lined up. This summer, FAS will hold its Annual Hog Roast Picnic on August 29, 2015 at the Raccon River Park, West Des Moines, IA. Other activities are posted on FAS facebook page.

FAS was founded by husband and wife, John and Dona Thompson. But currently heading the organization as its first president is Blaine Hudnall. Blaine is currently working in the Iowa Army National Guard, as Resilience and Suicide Prevention Program Manager. He obtained his BA with majors in History and Political Science from Drake University. He also graduated from Drake University Law School. He is married to Connie Hudnall and are blessed with two children: Calleigh (age 8) and Brenna (age 6). Other than FAS, Drake is also involved with Acanthus Masonic Lodge and Zag-Ga-Zig Shrine.

Blaine’s strong leadership is proven by his outstanding accomplishments as a well-decorated military officer with a rank of a Major. He received the following honor or citations in his military service: Meritorious Service Medal – OLC Army Commendation – 3OLC Army Achievement Medal – 3OLC,Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal – 6OLC Iraqi Campaign Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal w/ “M” device – 2nd Award, Armed Forces Reserve Medal w/ Silver Hour Glass, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon – 5th Award, Iowa State Service Ribbon – 4OLC Iowa Meritorious Service Medal, Iowa Commendation Medal, Iowa Leadership Ribbon with Torch Iowa Humanitarian Service Ribbon Meritorious Unit Commendation Army Superior Unit Award Militiaman Award.

If you have friends and relatives in Iowa, who may be interested to get involved or give support to FAS, please contact luisitathompson@ gmail.com.

FAS Board of Directors (L-R): John Thompson, Executive Chairman and Founder, Mercy Meador, Board of Director, Blaine Hudnall, Board of Director and President, Earl Gerdeman, Co-Chair, Board of Directors, and Gideon Gallo, Board of Director (not on photo

 

FAS Officers (L-R): Jezzel Heckathorn – Secretary, Daisy Houston – Sgt. At Arms, Naty Balines – Sgt. At Arms, Blaine Hudnall – President, Malou Guieb-Campos – Vice-President, Divina Gerdeman – Treasurer, Luisita Dona Thompson – Public Relations Officer, Co-Founder.