I Am The American Legion: Sharon Cherrette

I Am The American Legion: Sharon Cherrette

When Sharon Cherrette and her husband walked into Post 29 in Anchorage, Alaska, in 1993, they immediately felt like they belonged even though they were thousands of miles from home. 

“I was in uniform, so the bartender assumed we were already members and handed us transfer forms,” she says. “It was like a nice welcome to the family.”

In fact, Cherrette wasn’t even a Legion member. An encounter with a different post five years earlier had left her feeling that women weren’t welcome anywhere but the Auxiliary. Alaska quickly changed her view.

“Everybody was real friendly,” Cherrette says. “We loved the camaraderie. And we fit right in.”

Within a few years, she was historian of Post 29. She’s served in almost every Legion role since then, including department ROTC chairman and multiple terms as post adjutant. 

One of the things Cherrette says she appreciates most about the Legion is its role in championing the original GI Bill as well as strengthening educational benefits for post-9/11 veterans.

She’s also impressed by the way everyone associated with the Legion helps with Boys State, the Oratorical contest or providing wildfire relief to Alaskans who had to flee their homes a few years ago. “It doesn’t matter if you are part of the Sons or the Legion Riders. Everybody pitches in.” 

The demand for services is only going to increase given the number of people who serve at the state’s military bases. Cherrette says she believes the Legion’s Alaska membership will rise to the challenge with outreach to active-duty military and veterans alike, reminding them that the Legion is fighting for their benefits but also has a listening ear. For her, it’s about extending the sort of welcome she received.

 

“Up here, people are so far away from home,” she says. “We try to become their second family or extended family. We want you to feel a part of us.” 

Branch of Service  Air Force (1981-2001)

Military Job  Personnel

Rank  Master sergeant

American Legion Post  Muldoon Post 29, Anchorage, Alaska

Years in the Legion  23

 

Veterans Activities

  • Service officer (2002-2006)
  • Post historian (1996-2001)
  • Post commander (2000-2001)
  • Post adjutant (2002-2003, 2016-present)
  • Western District commander (2001-2002)
  • Department ROTC chairman (2002-2009, 2012-present)
  • Department commander (2011-2012)