MOUNT CARMEL - Barbara Stief was awarded Woman of the Year by the V.F.W. Post 2110 Ladies Auxiliary for 2012-13 at the officers installation meeting in May.
Stief became an auxiliary member in San Antonio, Texas, Post 6012 in 1990. While there, she was secretary for two years and became a life member in 1991. After her husband, Bill, received orders to go to Yokosuka, Japan, Stief transferred her membership to the Mount Carmel post.
Stief became active in the auxiliary in 2005, after her husband retired from the U.S. Navy after 20 years of service, and they moved back home to Mount Carmel. Since then she has held the following offices: guard, two years; senior vice president, three years, and chaplin, two years. She is also chairperson for youth activities, Patriotic Art Contest, and Voice of Democracy/Patriot's Pen. She also volunteers at fundraisers and wherever else she is needed.
Barbara and Bill Stief have been married for 25 years and have two children, Thomas and Ashley. Thomas recently graduated from Mount Carmel Area School District, and will be leaving for the U.S. Navy July 9. Ashley is a sophomore at Mount Carmel Area and participates in colorguard for the Big Red Band.