Sharon S.

 

Sharon S.

US Army
Rank: E-4/SPC
Conflict: Desert Shield/Storm


“All women who are eligible for membership in the VFW should join and be proud.”


VFW Member since: April 2006
Residence: Maryland
Occupation: Administrative Support Assistant with Dept. of Army
Age: 43

I became a life member at Charlton-Miller Post 6054 in 2006. Often members say “VFW,” however, when I say “Veterans of Foreign Wars” and think about what that encompasses – the elite group that I belong to – it really makes me proud! Over the past four years I have truly grown, thanks to the VFW. The She Serves campaign is an excellent example of how the VFW is working to stay abreast of the changing times. A Women Veteran’s Chairperson is invaluable; they provide a vital link between the VFW and the woman veteran. All women who are eligible for membership in the VFW should join and be proud.

My story:
I am a Desert Storm or Persian Gulf Veteran and deployed as part of an Ordnance Battalion in Germany. When I reflect on my deployment, several memorable events come to mind. People sometimes ask me about my favorite Christmas presents. My best was not having bathroom detail. Trust me; we were not emptying portable potties! My scariest moment and one I still work to overcome was the sound of our chemical alarms going off, only to find out that I had training filters in my mask. Years later, the alarms were identified as resulting from the Khamisiyah pit demolition. Nothing can erase the memory of being lost and seeing American tanks heading in the direction we had come from. That’s how we found out a cease fire had been called.

More about me:
I enjoy community service through the VFW, Ladies Auxiliary of the VFW and SYPAW Pup Tent 10, Military Order of the Cooties, in addition to several other organizations, including Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Omicron Chi Zeta Chapter; Venus Chapter, and Order of Eastern Star, to name a few. My passion is working with youth and veterans.

I have two sons, Christopher 27, and Mykell 17; two daughters Dominique 23 and KeShara 18 – both members of the LAVFW; and three active grandsons (Tyrell 8, Jaiden 18 months – both frequent helpers at VFW events, and Zavion 6). In my spare time I enjoy reading, spending time with my grandsons, working on computers and doing event planning.

Accomplishments:
In 2010-2011, I will be District 5 Commander (First African American Female in MD) and Post 6054 Commander, in addition to Department Buddy Poppy Chair and Women Veterans Committee Co-chair. During 2009-2010, I became the first African American female Post Commander in the Dept. of Maryland and the first female Commander in our Post’s 58 years. I helped plan our first Women Veterans program, bringing vendors, organizations and agencies together with women veterans to network, find resources and pamper women veterans of all eras and was assigned as Special Aide de Camp for the Women Veterans Committee.

Letter from Child

What’s in it for you?

For just $35 per year, a member-at-large status offers: the Camaraderie, Support, Connections, Advocacy and Distinction you’ve rightfully earned! Learn more about the valuable benefits of a VFW membership for women veterans.

Come on, join us!
You’ve earned it. And, we can’t wait to welcome you.