School Story:
When my sons were in high school, I decided to return to school to show them how difficult it was to work, raise a family and attend college in an attempt to inspire them to further their education. I discovered I love school (man would my teachers be amazed) and decided to final get my Bachelor of Science Degree in Management with a concentration in Human Resources. I am proud to say, I graduated in 2008, Summa Cum Laude.
When my youngest son enlisted with the US Army, I joined the Blue Star Mothers. We were a support group for each other and always made sure those that were active duty, had gifts from home, sent with love. When my son left the military and become a Veteran, I also moved on and joined the American Legion as an active member of the American Legion Unit 55 in Winston-Salem. We raise money to aid our veterans, especially those in need and send care packages to our active military who are serving far from home. One of our fund raisers provided the linens and bathing supplies for the Winston-Salem Homeless Veterans Shelter. We also provide meals for the Joint dinner meetings at our Post and assist the Legion as needed. I am currently the Vice President of the Legion Auxiliary.
My husband, Ken and I, are also active members of the American Legion Riders, Post 55 in Winston-Salem. We raise funds to help our Post. We have built a patio and furnished it, helped update the Canteen and planted shrubbery around our facility. We also sponsor of the American Children's Home at Christmas by providing the 13 -20 children with normal supplies (linens, toiletries, presents and $25 gift cards to Wal-Mart). We have rides to raise money to help our local veterans and those that are in the hospital or nursing facility at Salisbury and our local Veterans Homeless Shelter. If we have a member in need, we are there as well. One had an accident and needed a handicap ramp and before he was released from the hospital that was built and there were casseroles in his freezer for easy meal preparations. That just gives a brief idea of what we do.
We are both active members of Patriot Guard Riders. We stand by in Winston-Salem which means, we are there for the Send-offs of troops being deployed (they walk through a flag line), there for Welcome Homes at the airport (flag line), we were part of the Welcome Home to the WWII Veterans that participated in the Flight of Honor, and we also provide flag lines at funeral visitations, funerals and encircle the graveside service to keep protestors away. We participate in Wreaths Across America. Our participation includes holding American Flags for the flag line and laying wreaths on the graves of our fallen heroes, following the formal presentation of colors and laying of wreaths for all branches of the military
My husband owns and manages Funtime Promotions. He silk screens t-shirts, can provide embroidery items and all promotional goods. It is something he really enjoys doing. He has one employee, who is responsible for generating new sales, also screen prints and helps with deliveries.
My husband and I rode, with part of our American Legion Riders, to Washington, DC to participate in the Rolling Thunder Rally. This was an attempt to continue to draw attention to the fact we still have MIA/POWs that are unaccounted for and they should not be left behind. We need government support to send personnel over to find missing soldiers or help release those still held prisoner. We enjoyed this adventure and will participate on a regular basis, if the President and other elected officials will allow us tonreturn and issuebthebrequires parade permits. From the time the first motorcyle pulled out from the Pentagon until the last motorcyle pulls out, time lapsed was about 4 hours. In 2017, I started riding my own motorcycle to Washington and participate in the rally. I watched these Memorial Day events on TV (usually PBS) for the past several years and am honored that we are now participates! This was one of the most emtional Memorial Day weekends ever. If you have not been, please think about coming. Supporters are needed along the route.
