Dear Editor,
With the dissolution of the V.F.W. Junior Girls occurring at the end of this month they felt it was important to publicly acknowledge a few people that have been part of this organization since its inception in 1966 at the V.F.W. Post 1371, and to share with others as they continue as a patriotic youth group in case they are interested in joining.
To assist those in understanding its importance, here is my experience.
The V.F.W. Junior Girls has been a meaningful part of my life so far and will forever be important to me. When I was in the third grade I attended my first meeting at the V.F.W. Post 1371. Nine years later there have been hundreds of meetings that I’ve attended, and many “get togethers” as well.
All of these experiences with the Junior Girls have taught me so much. Our mission of giving back and helping those who have served our country that are citizens of our community has enabled me to do things I never knew I was capable of doing. The actions of community service that we have done as a Jr. Girl has given me a desire for helping others through volunteering.
The responsibility that is essential for being a Jr. Girl has developed into dedication. The multitudes of visits to the Riverview Manor nursing home and Tioga Rural Ministry has blessed me with heartwarming experiences through the listening of the residents’ stories, words of gratitude and appreciation.
As I have gotten older and oddly enough, have gone from being one of the youngest members to the oldest one in the unit, I have learned leadership skills, as well as being the president two times in my unit. These experiences have taught me so much, however it is not just the actions that you do that make something meaningful, it is the great people you meet through any journey.
The leader of the unit, Jean Sabol, has been the most influential person for me. She has kept going for many years through a few generations (not saying that you are old Jean).
I am so grateful for Jean as my leader and always being positive, and a bit crazy (I say that with love and dedication). I am also fortunate to have met so many nice people; Theresa Edwards, her lovely mom; “Grandma” Striley, the sweet girls in the unit and the previous members before me. I am fortunate to have shared fun weekends with other units at the annual state conference and to march in various parades, proud to represent the Jr. Girls.
Jr. Girls has been the base for volunteer service, which has led to many other great things for myself. It saddens me to come to the realization that I have to step down as a member due to not only aging out, but also the national level of Jr. Girls is dissolving this year.
My hope for others is that they have taken out something valuable from their unique, patriotic program as I have. The Jr. Girls is such an important part of my older childhood and young adulthood.
I am hopeful that others will still live in the mission of the V.F.W. Jr. Girls and carry the qualities they’ve learned from their younger years in life with Jr. Girls into their adulthood.
Thank you Jean for being an amazing leader and teaching me these great things. Thank you to Post 1371, the men and women’s auxiliary for your longtime support of this unit, and to the veterans who have served our country.
With gratitude,
Austyn Conti
Jr. Girls post 1371 president
