Submitted by: Kenneth Moneagle

Category: Stories

Woodstock VA —

Another historic milestone was made this past Tuesday night, when the post held their officer installation ceremony led by Past Commander Wade Guinn, with Sharon Allar installed as commander of the post. Allar is the second female commander in post history. It has been 38 years since Marian Stranger, a Marine Corps veteran of the Korean War, served as the first.

Allar, an Air Force veteran, is grateful for the opportunity to make a difference. Allar has been a active member of Post 199 for three years. Allar had served two years in her previous position as second vice commander. Her involvement with the post has garnered the support of her fellow Legionnaires with this selection. She has represented the post's interests and plans on attending Legion College this summer, where she will enhance her knowledge of The American Legion.

The officers installed on Tuesday were (pictured) Hal Sharpe (First Vice Commander), Sharon Allar (Post Commander), Robert Palmer (Second Vice Commander). Not pictured: Frank Mullen (Financial Officer), Peter Miyares (Adjutant), Anthony Durso (Chaplain) and Gary Hoover (Sergeant at Arms).

About the author:

My name is Kenneth J. Moneagle and I proudly served as post commander and director of the Martinsburg (W.Va.) Chapter 14 American Legion Riders for four years. I also served as Department of West Virginia vice commander, and am currently a member of American Legion Post 199 in Woodstock, Va., serving as the post service officer and a rider of the Riders Chapter 77 in Strasburg, Va. "Volunteers are not paid because they are worthless, but because they are priceless.”