Each year, we get a call from the Holy Family Academy, a private school in Phoenix, to make presentations about patriotism and the roles veterans had in the military. Last year, I was honored to teach them how to properly respect the flag, from raising and lowering it, folding it, and then retiring it once it reached the end of its useful service life.
This year, the request was for a female veteran to provide accounts of her branch of service, job within the service, and related experiences to reinforce appreciation for women in the military.
Commander Victoria Laria quickly answered my call and recently visited the Academy. She met with the girls of their sponsored scout troop and other classmates. The young girls were extremely excited to hear of Commander Laria’s experiences in the Marine Corps and how it changed her life to achieve great things. The students ended the day with a new hero.
The school was grateful that The American Legion is continually willing to help teach our youth today about how experiences performing service for our great nation can help in the development of our next generation of leaders.
Thank you, Commander Laria of Post 27 in Apache Junction, for your willingness to ENGAGE and demonstrate exactly what we, The Legionnaires, do. You have made us all proud as you exemplified what The Legion is all about. Making a difference is just one of the ways we contribute to strengthening America.
Tell me your story. Let’s learn more about what we are doing to uphold the Pillars of The American Legion.
S/F
Commander Vaughan
