×
Subscribe

Subscribe Today

Save almost 50% off the newsstand price!

In addition to receiving 26 issues of The Independent Kansas City’s Journal of Society, your subscription will include our annual publication, the Charitable Events Calendar and a subscription to our e-newsletter, The Insider.

Questions about your current subscription? Contact Laura Gabriel at 816-471-2800.

#AAPI TRAILBLAZER: Norma Shinno Irving Donlon

Norma Shinno Irving Donlon has resilience. Her ancestry is Japanese, and she was born in Arkansas during World War II. Because of that, Norma’s birth took place in the Camp Jerome War Relocation Center. At the age of seven, Norma lost her hearing due to an illness. She compensated by learning lip reading. Norma attended two colleges in California, El Camino College and Pierce College. Norma wed United States Army Ranger First Lieutenant John W. Irving, Jr. She was widowed at the age of 22 when he was killed in the Vietnam War. Four years later, Norma married another career United States Army Special Forces Soldier, Roger Donlon. The couple has five children. Norma and Roger’s commitment to each other and to military service has provided structure for their lives. Norma earned the Department of the Army Outstanding Civilian Service Medal in 1988. In recognition of her 50 years of support, Norma was given an honorary membership by the National Special Forces Association in 2017; she was the seventh woman to receive one. Also in 2017, Norma and Roger served as co-grand marshals of the Wreaths Across America Convoy. In 2018, Norma was appointed a Wreaths Across America ambassador. Since Roger’s retirement from the Army as a colonel, Norma is involved in many activities, including giving speeches to educate people on the history of Americans of Japanese ancestry. She has held several offices, including the presidency, of the Whittier Club, one of the oldest literary clubs in Kansas. 

Norma and Colonel Roger Donlon, United States Army, Retired

Featured in the May 13, 2023 issue of The Independent. 

Features

War Horses For Veterans – The Derby Party

War Horses for Veterans, founded by Andy and Patricia Brown, held its third annual fundraiser, The Derby Party, on May 4th. More than 400 guests watched the Kentucky Derby race…

Symphony League of Kansas City – Spring Luncheon

Lidia’s was the lovely location for the Symphony League of Kansas City’s annual Spring Luncheon on May 8th. Mandy Burditt and Trish Mayer were the co-chairmen. Nearly 60 members and…

Symphony League of Kansas City – Ball Kickoff

Symphony League members gathered at Amy Volini’s beautiful home recently to kick off preparations for the 2024 Symphony Ball, “NOVA.”Amy and Julie Sykes hosted the fun event, where Ball Chairman…

Saint Luke’s Foundation – Spirit of Philanthropy Awards

In the spirit of gratitude, Saint Luke’s Foundation hosted its Spirit of Philanthropy Awards celebration on April 18th at the 1900 Building. Being honored this year are: Philanthropists of the…