Gov. Rick Perry: On the Passing of Borah Van Dormolen

Deborah Borah" Van Dormolen

Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN Texas Throughout her extraordinary life Borah Van Dormolen was motivated by a desire to serve her country and work passionately on the causes most important to her.

After almost a quarter-century in the military Lt. Col. Dormolen retired to champion the people and issues she valued and she left her state and her country a better place for it.

We will all miss Borahs wisdom and boundless energy. I was also proud to have appointed her to the State Cemetery Commission.

Anita joins me in sending our deepest condolences to her husband Rich Castle along with the rest of her family and vast network of friends."

Gov. Rick Perry today following the passing of Borah Van Dormolen.

Van Dormolen was no ordinary person. Read more here.   She was an accomplished soldier businessperson Republican political leader legislative advocate athlete  community leader and Past President of Texas Federation of Republican Women. Borah and 5th generation Texan Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Rich Castle her husband of 20 years ventured into the business world establishing Design Technology Group Inc. a highly successful manufacturing and marketing firm of outdoor stainless steel electric grills. Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Borah Van Dormolen traveled a long way since her early days as a student at West Chester College Pennsylvania:

• In 1974 she enlisted in the U.S. Army and rose through the ranks retiring in 1997 after 23 years with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
• She served in various command staff and leadership positions including a term as Professor at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
• She was commander of logistics operations units for the U.S. Armys largest and most powerful military formations including the famed 1st Cavalry Division and 13th Corps Support Command.

Borahs political activities are remarkable in their width and breadth accomplished in a short period of time after her military retirement. She served as:

• The Texas Federation of Republican Women (TFRW) Vice President of Finance Vice President of Legislation Chairman of Leadership Development District Director Coordinator and District Director of Senatorial District 24.
• As TFRW Vice President of Finance she coordinated the Tribute to Women" luncheon at the Republican Party State Convention and the TFRW 2005 Legislative Day Luncheon in Austin.
• During the TFRW State Convention in Corpus Christi Borah was elected President of the Federation for 2006 thru 2007.
• Borah applied her considerable leadership and teaching skills to campaign management seminars for the National Federation of Republican Women (NFRW) and TFRW.
• During the 77th Texas Legislature session she served as Legislative Aide for State Representative Kent Grusendorf (R-Dist. 94).
• She contributed significant amounts of time to the Republican Party of Bell Countys fundraising and grassroots efforts.

Borah Van Dormolen was an important community leader serving as:

• Past State Vice President for the Texas Council of Chapters of the Military Officers Association of America
• Past President and Director of the Central Texas Chapter of The Military Officers Association
• Board of Governors for the Association of the United States Army Fort Hood Chapter
• Rotarian in the Salado Chapter; and
• Past member of the Board of Directors for the Mill Creek Golf and Country Club and Central Texas Womens Golf Association.

Borah Van Dormolen was an endowment member of the National Rifle Association and the Texas State Rifle Association.