Darke County Republican Women’s Club...
Mikesell to speak on self-defense for women  
October  25, 2011 

GREENVILLE – The Darke County Republican Women’s Club will be holding its regularly scheduled monthly meeting at 6:30 on November 14 at the Chestnut Village Center of the Brethren Home Retirement Community. Featured speaker will be Bruce Mikesell who will speak on self-defense for women. 

Mikesell entered military service in 1972 as a draftee.  His military career started as a meteorologist, with primary duties being to brief aircrews.  Mikesell thought that flying would be more fun than forecasting, so he applied for flight training and was accepted.  As an aviation officer, he lived and flew on three continents. 

“My greatest claim was flying General Colin Powell while stationed in Frankfort Germany.” states Mikesell. 

He started martial arts training 1972 while stationed in Oklahoma. He has trained with military and civilian instructors in the United States and Europe.  Mikesell has been training and teaching for almost 40 years, and says, “I expect to continue for another 40 years if possible.  Locally, we have a successful program with the YMCA that has been ongoing for fifteen years.   Our students range from elementary school age to grandparents.” 

After retirement from the military, Mikesell became interested in personal protection.  Drawing on his military and martial arts backgrounds, he expanded his knowledge and training to include armed as well as unarmed protection. He is currently a National Rifle Association certified firearms instructor and certifies Ohio citizens for concealed carry pistol licensing.  

“No matter your age, size, or current abilities, anyone can learn to keep themselves, their loved ones, and their property safer.” explains Mikesell. 

The Darke County Republican Women’s Club will be meeting at 6:30 p.m. on November 14 in the Chestnut Village Center of the Brethren Home Retirement Community. Dinner is available by prior reservation, at a cost of $7.50 per person. 

Anyone wishing to join the group for dinner prior to the evening’s meeting and program may place reservations by calling or emailing Wavelene Denniston before noon on November 10. Reservations placed are expected to be paid. Wavelene’s phone is (937) 547-6477 or she may be emailed at: DCRWReservations@darkegop.org. Those wishing not to dine may arrive before 7 p.m. for the program. 

The club is currently on a membership drive and welcomes new members interested in the Darke County community and promoting Republican leadership. Additional information may be obtained by phoning President Sally Zeiter at (937) 423-2391 or she may be emailed at: DCRWPresident@darkegop.org.