The nominations and call for candidates period for the 2025 DA France VMF Caucus Elections has now closed. Please find below statements for the candidates standing for election for the two Co-Chair positions up for election. 

All members of the DA France VMF Caucus will receive a ballot by email on March 1. Online voting will end on March 15 at midnight.

New members are welcome to join and vote — please do so by March 10. You must be a U.S. citizen living overseas and at least 18 years old at the time of the next federal election to join Democrats Abroad, and be living in France to vote in this election (join here: https://www.democratsabroad.org/join), and also be a VMF member of the Global VMF Caucus (join here: https://www.democratsabroad.org/vmf). 

Questions? Contact the VMF Caucus Election Board at [email protected].

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The following positions were advertised: Chair, Vice Chair and Communications Officer.

Candidate Statements

Candidate(s) for Chair

Anna Marie Mattson

I am deeply passionate about our veterans and military families whether supporting wounded warriors and caregivers at the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany; participating in D-Day and laying wreaths on Memorial Day and November 11th, crafting resolutions to make sure our voice is heard loud and clear; or nurturing partnerships with other veteran organizations. 

We can still organize more events to bond and to continue to bring our issues such as the desecration of Pershing Hall to the forefront of DA and the Democratic Party.  We can certainly join to RESIST Trump’s infamous policies concerning veterans and their families. 

My credentials as a military family abound: my father and four uncles fought in WWII, my cousin was on a Navy ship during the Vietnam War, two great uncles fought in France during WWI , and we have ancestors who fought in the Civil War and Revolution. So I grew up listening to their stories and witnessing the pain from their experiences and lost comrades. I am seeking reelection as Chair of DA France Veterans & Military Caucus and would appreciate your vote. I am also on the Steering Committee of DA’s Global VMF.

Thank you for your support! Anna Marie Mattson

Candidate(s) for Vice Chair

Meredith Gowan Le Goff

After serving in many capacities within Democrats Abroad, I believe that our caucuses are the engines of our activism.  I have been helping with the Veterans & Military Families caucus since my full time return to France. I have assisted with the laying of wreaths and organizing events.

As your vice-chair I would assist the chair in making our voices heard over the needs of veterans and military families. I presently serve on the legal working group for Pershing Hall. I believe, however, there is much much more we can do to help veterans and military families, as well as show our support through the continued participation in local military memorial events.

My grandfather enlisted in the US Army during World War I and died in World War II. He was an active Mississippi National Guardsman in between the wars. My father saw active duty with the Navy during World War II in the Pacific realm at Okinawa. I appreciate your support for our caucus and ask for your vote for my candidacy.

Candidate(s) for Communications Officer

Susan Fitoussi

What I bring to the table –

Organizational skills, punctuality, bilingual and enthusiasm

I am trained DAF for social media and have been using Facebook with democrats Abroad for many years now.

About me!

Born in Los Angeles California 1962

I left the USA when I was 24 and have lived abroad since.

I work in a huge multi-mega international company in Marseille.

I am a Mom and a Grandma (the best!)

Why I am a Democrat –

I believe in the Constitution, Freedom and Justice for all, Universal Health Care, Gun Control, Equal Rights and Environmental Consciousness to name a few!

The Democratic Party represents the values I believe in.

Why I’m running for this position –

I have been a member of our Caucus since 2019 .

I have had the pleasure to participate in many Caucus Events and meet US Veterans in France.
I am very proud to serve the veterans and protect their rights.