Where did you serve and what did you do?

Germany 1980 – 1981 Food Service Specialist Wildflecken, West Germany 1981-1985 IRR 1985 – 2005 US Army Reserve, – Grand Rapids, Mi, Hanscom AFB, Ma. Londonderry, NH, and Devens, Ma Food Service Specialist in Michigan, Hanscom and Londonderry Military Technician as the Assistant Unit Administrator then Unit Administrator. US Army Reserve Unit: 323rd Maintenance Company (DS), Devens, Ma was mobilized on December 7, 2003 for Operation Iraqi Freedom II. Headed to Ft Drum, NY as a Food Service Specialist for 9 1/2 weeks. Convoyed to FOB Speicher, Tikrit, Iraq at the end of February 2004. Did a variety of duties, Perimeter Guard Duty, Head Count in the Dining Facility, Unit Newsletter, Operation Pencil Box. Returned home 3 weeks early due to the sudden death of my dad. Met the unit at Fort Drum, NY at the end of January 2005, de mobed. Came off of active-duty Valentines Day 2005. Received my 20 -year letter in April 2005, went into US Army Reserve Retirement in October 2005. Joined the VFW in February 2005. Then became a Legacy Life Member in 2016.

How are you Still Serving?

I am the Veteran Service Officer for the Town of Townsend, on 3 town committees, Housing Authority, Flag, Capital and Council on Aging. I belong to the Lions Club, and North Central Women Veterans, Military Women Across the Nation and Ambassador for WIMSA. I belong to the American Legion and DAV who meet at our VFW Post. I drive for DAV veterans to their appointments. Currently I am the Senior Vice Commander of Townsend VFW Post 6538, last year I was the Post Commander who made All American twice: 2020-2021 and 2024-2025 was able to walk across the stage to receive my award from the CIC. I am the District 15 Commander for 2025-2026. I also keep busy shopping and cooking for our post for our weekly, Cheeseburger Wednesday lunch and Meat Bingo twice a month.

Why do you do it?

I am retired and I want to keep myself busy assisting veterans because I can. It is not for the kudos but because I choose to.