Why I Got My Start In Community Activism, Not Politics
When St. Patrick’s Day came this year, I was reminded of my time spent at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 358 Ladies’ Auxiliary in my hometown. I was an active member and officer when I was in high school!
I always like to distinguish that I got my start in community activism, not in politics. When I was a teenager, I joined the Veterans of Foreign Wars Ladies’ Auxiliary. I quickly became an officer.
I loved going to the fundraisers like this St. Patrick’s Day event, walking the parades throughout the year, joining the men for ceremonies at local schools, and participating in the monthly meetings.
It was such a special time for me to be guided and mentored by these men and women. Mary Horton, standing to my left in this picture, passed away after I graduated. Her husband served in the Pacific arena in World War II, and she remained involved for the rest of her life. I was the youngest member (by multiple decades), and she was the oldest.
My time at the post inspired me to seek a career in veterans advocacy, leading me to American University in DC for college.
I’m excited for the day when I can find my long-term community, settle down, and begin to get involved the way I used to be.
