Goodwin/Highley family

Goodwin/Highley family

We are a multigenerational military family with many years spent serving veterans through The American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary. My grandfather, C.E. Harkness, was too young to fight in World War I, and lied about his age to serve our country and was sent to France. My dad, Charles F. Goodwin, who has been instrumental in keeping Heinline-Hanks Post 38 active, has 61 years of continuous membership since he served World War II. While growing up, my sister and I sold poppies and helped with bake sales to benefit veterans homes. I now have 43 continuous years as a member of the Auxiliary. During this time, I’ve served as vice president and president of Unit 38, and as the first (and youngest) Vietnam-era president of the 17th District. I’ve also served as district secretary and treasurer. My children, Shannon and Bridget Brake, carried on the tradition of selling poppies and helping with bake sales to raise funds for veterans homes, My mother, Margaret, sewed bibs. Our son, retired Maj. Gary Highley, served a year in Iraq before retiring from the Army. Now our grandson, Lt. Jason Highley, is serving in the Navy.
– Barbara Brake Highley, Fair Grove, Mo.