West Hartford Gold Star Mother Wins American Legion Americanism Award

West Hartford’s Leesa Philippon was recently presented with the 2015 Americanism Award by the Connecticut Department of the American Legion at its 97th Department Convention.

Philippon was also presented with a U.S. Senate Certificate of Special Recognition by U.S. Richard Blumenthal in recognition of her Americanism award.

Blumenthal, who has known the family for many years, also acknowledged the dedication the Philippons have for their community and nation, according to a press release.

Dana Murphy, Department Chairman for the Americanism Award, stated in his presentation remarks, “Leesa Philippon, a Gold Star Mother, represents every definition of Americanism associated with the Connecticut Department Americanism Award.”

Philippon was nominated for the award by Hayes-Velhage Post 96 of West Hartford.

“When you meet Leesa, and her entire family, you immediately understand why she loves our country and continues to demonstrate that love through her actions,” Post Commander Moe Fradette said in a press release. “She is a true American.”

Philippon was raised in a military family, her father serving in the Army during WWII, Korea, and Vietnam, and also had five siblings who also served in the military. Philippon joined the Army and served from 1979 until 1982 where she met her husband Raymond, and they were married in 1981 while they were both serving in the Army.

Upon completion their service in 1983 they moved to West Hartford to raise their family. Their son Larry, upon completion of high school in West Hartford, entered the U.S. Marine Corps on May 27, 2003.

As a Lance Corporal in the 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Division II Expeditionary Force his unit was deployed to Iraq. On May 8, 2005, Lance Corporal Lawrence Philippon was killed in action in Ubaydi, Al Anbar Province, Iraq. That day was Mother’s Day in the U.S. and the 24th wedding anniversary for Leesa and Ray.

Larry’s brother Bryan has followed in his brother’s footsteps and is a U.S. Marine.

Philippon joined the Gold Star Mothers in 2005 to help and support other mothers who have lost a child in service. She has helped provide emotional support to other members, worked in the Newington Veterans’ Hospital for eight years, and fosters a deep sense of patriotism and respect for all members of the Armed Forces. She is a member of the VFW Auxiliary as well.

As a member of Gold Star Mothers she has held the position of Chaplain and has also been in charge of their Americanism program.

With a current membership of 2.4-million wartime veterans, The American Legion was founded in 1919 on the four pillars of a strong national security, veteran’s affairs, Americanism, and youth programs. Legionnaires work for the betterment of their communities through more than 14,000 posts across the nation.

The American Legion Hayes-Velhage Post 96 of West Hartford is a 100% smoke free facility and is open to military veterans who have served honorably during a wartime era and military personnel currently on active duty. Further information is available on the Post’s website at www.post96.org or the public is welcome to visit Hayes-Velhage Post 96 at 45 Raymond Road, West Hartford, CT. 06107, phone 860-233-9029.

• Photo 1: Leesa Philippon and Dana Murphy, Department Chairman for the Americanism Award
• Photo 2: Leesa Philippon and U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal