History in the making. Curtis A Smith Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1033 held a social last night to welcome our first woman commander…..SHAWN WRIGHT! What an exciting time for this post. Wright became a post member when she returned from the Persian Gulf and has been an active member from the start.
Wright is a United States Navy veteran having served aboard the USNS Comfort during Desert Shield/Desert Storm serving her country from 1988-1992. Today she is a nurse for Mountain Regional Hospice and a member of the Alleghany Highlands Community Service Board of Directors.
Wright comes from a long line of military veterans on both sides of her family who were past and present members of VFW Post 1033. Current members are her father, Larry Wright, Marines Vietnam and her uncle, Lewis Wright, Army Panama Conflict. Past members include her fraternal grandfather, Lawrence Wright, Army WWII and maternal grandfather, Norris Paxton, Army Korean War,
Dr. Paul Linkenhoker, Post Chaplain, said “This is a historic event as Shawn Wright becomes the first female Commander of VFW Post 1033. You need to realize that she wasn’t selected because we thought we needed a woman as commander. She was selected because she was qualified for the position. She exhibited leadership skills and a passion for veterans. We are all very proud of her”. We were honored to have the Mayor, Tom Sibold, present on this special occasion. The Mayor said Wright is qualified for her role and it is well deserved.
It’s an exciting time for the post and they have many projects ahead including the Bicentennial (200th birthday of Alleghany County) on September 17th at Mountain Gateway Community College. The post will also be paying tribute to POW/MIA veterans on October 1st at the “All Classes” reunion for Covington High School.
We look forward to a great year of service to our comrades and community. Please join us at these events and, if you are interested in becoming a member of VFW Post 1033, please reach out to any of our comrades.
This page is available to subscribers. Click here to sign in or get access.