The Whidbey Island Democracy Club, known as WIDC, will award its first annual “Serving Out Loud – Grethe Cammermeyer Building Community Award” with a community event at 2-4 p.m., Feb. 15 at the Coupeville Recreation Hall, according to a press release.

“And who better to honor this first year of the award,” said Kim Drury, WIDC chair, “than Grethe Cammermeyer herself?”

Drury explained that the award was created to recognize individuals and organizations who are making a positive difference in the Whidbey community – and beyond.

“Actions that demonstrably inspire and motivate others, that reflect a commitment to democracy, that better the lives of people and that earn the community’s trust and respect,” she said. “Grethe Cammermeyer perfectly embodies these qualities which is why we wanted to name the award for her – and to make her our first recipient.”

Cammermeyer is most famously known for her significant contributions to civil rights, including a landmark lawsuit that found that the military’s ban on gays and lesbians serving in the military was unconstitutional. Cammermeyer wrote a book, “Serving in Silence,” about her experience of being discharged from the National Guard for being a lesbian – a book that was made into a successful TV movie of the same title, produced by Barbra Streisand and starring Glenn Close.

After winning her lawsuit, Cammermeyer returned to the military. She retired from the Army after six years on active duty and 25 years in the Army Reserves and National Guard. During her military career she challenged policies that discriminated against married women and married women who became pregnant.

Cammermeyer has also served her local community including running for Congress, serving as a WhidbeyHealth commissioner for several years and, along with her spouse, Diane Divelbess, hosting Summerfest, WIDC’s annual gathering of elected officials, political candidates, friends and neighbors.

“Throughout her career as a professional and as an activist, Grethe has lived by her words – ‘live truthfully and provide examples for others to do the same.’ Which is why we are so proud to recognize Grethe with this award – and call her our friend,” Drury said.