Where did you serve and what did you do?

I served in the Marine Corps 1978-1992 and am a Desert Shield Veteran. I joined the Iowa National Guard in 1992 and retired in December 1999. I was a Military Intelligence Specialist for the majority of my career. My husband Dave, served 4 years active-duty Army then joined the Iowa National Guard, retiring in June 2009, serving 32+ years. He was deployed to Iraq in 2003-2004. We are both members of Gale Edwards Post 4077, Anamosa, Iowa.

How are you Still Serving?

My husband Dave and I serve our community and Jones County, Iowa, in many ways. We coordinate and hold ceremonies on the patriotic holidays: Memorial Day and Patriot’s Day, we provide family games prior to the 4th of July fireworks with prizes and goodie bags, these games are often loaned out for other events such as National Night Out and community events. We set up a maze and other displays each year at the Safe Trick or Treat held at the Historical Society Pioneer Village. We also volunteer at the pioneer village as hosts when it is open on Sunday afternoons during the summer. For Veterans Day we set up the fallen comrade table at the luncheon the school provides. The school has a Veterans Day assembly which will celebrate the 30th anniversary this year. I have been involved and attended the assembly each year since it started. At Christmas time, we decorate the city aqua court for the holidays, with the display being on from Thanksgiving until New Year. We also set up a Christmas Tree at the community Tree Walk each year. We are active within our community and Jones County throughout the year, whenever we are called upon to help. While I have written this with my husband and I in mind, the other members of our small 30-member post are always willing to lend a hand should it be needed.

Why do you do it?

I do it mostly because I enjoy it. I enjoy being active in my community, knowing the people of our small town and the joy I can bring to others. For example, when we have the 500+ children go through the maze at Halloween time, I know that no matter what is going on in their lives, at that moment, the smile on their faces tells me they are happy and trouble free. I also do it in memory of my father, a Korean War Veteran. When I came home to Iowa after Desert Shield, one of the first things he did was take me to the VFW and sign me up. In 1993, for a long time I was the only woman in my post, but the men welcomed me without judgement and understood that I didn’t always fit the same mold as other woman of that time.