JoAnn Cassidy, pictured with chaplain of the American Legion Chuck Katlic, was named the Legionnaire of the Year for her numerous contributions to the legion and for veterans.
MONDAY, MARCH 3, 2008
Weatherford Democrat
Legion of friends to serve
When JoAnn Cassidy set out to serve her country, she had no idea she would serve for life.
"I joined the reserves because I loved the military life so much," Cassidy said.
But after her retirement, she continues to serve her fellow soldier. Cassidy has an impressive resume. One which any soldier would be proud to own. Cassidy served in the United States Navy from 1984 through 1992. She transferred to the United States Air Force that same year and retired Oct. 2004.
In both branches, Cassidy performed tours in London, San Diego, Long Beach and Coronado Island, Calif.
In 1990, she moved to Austin and was deployed to Okinawa, Japan. She also had duty in San Antonio before serving at Carswell Air Force Base in Fort Worth, where she was attached to the 301st Fighter Wing as a career counselor. She was called to active duty following Sept. 11, 2001, and served for two years in the command post.
She retired as a master sergeant giving more than 20 years to her country. Her resume was read at the legion's ceremony, where audience members listened to her training which included firefighting, rifle, shotgun, and handgun experience.
Ribbon, three Air Reserve Forces Merit Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, three Air Force Longevity Service, two Air Force Commendation Medals and the Air Force Achievement Medal.
Cassidy said having all those awards under her belt makes her proud.
"I really enjoyed my time in the Air Force and in the Navy," she said. "The only reason I got out was because I was 60 and they made me retire. Otherwise, I'd still be there."
She added serving her country means the world and is part of being an American.
"Everybody should serve," she said. "It's our patriotic duty. I'm hoping my grand kids will."
During the ceremony, Cassidy was recognized and said, "be it Post, Womens Auxiliary [or] Son's of the American Legion, you know JoAnn is probably responsble for it or part of it..."
Members said Cassidy is always willing to do anything requested of her.
Today, she serves the post by donating her time and skills. She cooks, drives, cleans and lends a hand wherever American Legion Post members need her.
She was named the Legionnaire of the Year recently for the works she does for veterans under the direction of the legion.
Cassidy said she loves volunteering for the post and helping veterans.
At the ceremony, Cassidy was not told she would be receiving the legionnaire award. When she heard her name, She was speechless.
Later, she said she was honored to be selected for the honor.
"Accepting the Legionnaire of the Year Award was a big surprise," she said, "I was so flattered that they considered me for that."
Cassidy said she will continue to serve veterans through the legion and district.
I really like it," she said. "It's rewarding at this stage in my life. It's fulfilling. I can help other people."
The American Legion was chartered by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic, war-time veterans organization, devoted to mutual helpfulness. It is a not-for-profit community service organization which now numbers nearly 3 million members, men and women, nearly 15,000 American Legion posts worldwide.
