Commander Beverly Bonney of American Legion Post 857 said the following:
“Over the last 25 years the roles of women in our military have changed considerably.
“Opportunities are limitless now. I am so impressed with women’s achievements and accomplishments in today’s armed forces.
“It is a great honor for me to be connected to today’s active duty military members and veterans through the American Legion.”
Her youth
“I was born in February 1962, as the youngest of six children.
“It was an exciting time in the 1960s and ’70s to be growing up in Southern California. The political and social climates were rapidly changing as were the dynamics of my family life.
I lived my first 15 years in Santa Fe Springs, and then moved to Los Alamos.
I attended high school in Santa Maria; also took dance and childhood development courses. During the school year I worked in fast food. Each summer I worked at the Parks and Recreations Department.
Upon High School graduation in 1980, I moved back to Santa Fe Springs and landed a great full time job at a printing company as a customer service representative. My job paid well with good benefits so I could afford an apartment and the necessities of life.
“But after a few years, I felt something was missing. I didn’t like the idea of just ‘working for the weekend.’
Military
“My desire to embark on a new life began with a trip to the Navy recruitment office in Downey. At age 21 in April 1983, I enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served my boot camp training as an airman apprentice, in Orlando, Fla., my first duty station was VC-6, Norfolk, Va. Air Base, as assistant to command senior chief of operations.
“In 1984, I converted to seaman apprentice to attend Signalman “A” School in Orlando.
“Upon completion, I was stationed in Charleston, South Carolina and became assistant to command senior chief of port services until 1986. Also, in 1984, I married Anthony Smith, my boot camp sweetheart. He became a Navy diver. As a married couple we had two daughters, one born in 1986 and 1987, but we divorced in 1989.
“In those years, the Navy didn’t allow both spouses to serve aboard ships at the same time. The spouse with the rate having a higher need aboard a ship would serve sea duty. My Navy diver husband beat out Signalman Beverly.
“Through 1986-1987, I served at the Navy Absentee Collection Unit in San Diego, Calif. where I investigated, apprehended, and returned Navy deserters to their appropriate commands.”
Civilian
“After becoming a mother in 1986, I made an uneasy decision to not reenlist in the Navy. I am very proud of having been in the military and having served our country.The discipline and camaraderie of the military life was truly fulfilling for me.
“In May 1989, after my honorable discharge from the Navy, I began working as a unit secretary at Downey Community Hospital. With my two daughters, I happily married Tim in 1992, and became stepmother to his twin sons and a daughter.
“Being a mother is a huge responsibility and a vital obligation I happily devote myself to. I have had the privilege and greatly enjoyed the last 25 years raising five great kids and working with my husband, Tim, at our accounting firm in Los Alamitos.”
Veteran
“I am very fortunate to have been introduced to the Seal Beach American Legion Post 857 so I joined in June 2010. After being a member for two months, I was elected commander, and reelected for another one year term.
“It is an honor to be connected to today’s active duty military members and veterans through the American Legion.
“Our Post holds its monthly meetings at the Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station on the third Tuesday of each month except in December. We enjoy chatting and snacking with the Post members and the Ladies Auxiliary during our Social Hour, which begins at 6 p.m.
“Our regular meeting starts at 7 p.m. for about an hour. We are constantly striving to build up our membership so we can continue assisting other needy Veterans and their families, and to contribute what we can to the local communities.
“Our Post is especially interested in attracting Veterans from the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars, and all other recent conflicts. We need new members to keep the Veterans organizations alive and functioning. Please find additional meetings data in another part of this paper.”
Bill Thomas of Rossmoor is a Veteran of World War II, and Past Commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4048, and American Legion Post 857.
Contact him at vvbthomasvets@gmail.com.
