East McKeesport VFW Member New District 29 Senior Vice Commander

A Mon Valley resident and life member of East McKeesport Veterans of Foreign Wars ‘Hilltoppers’ Post 8430 has been selected as Senior Vice Commander of VFW District 29, Department of Pennsylvania.

Marine Jessica Marie Adams, an Iraq War veteran, was elevated to the position of VFW District 29 Senior Vice Commander last month. As senior vice commander, she is second in command of the approximately three dozen active VFW Posts in Allegheny County.

Adams said her main effort while in office will be to assist new VFW District 29 Commander John Drake, and to help try to change the perception of the 120-year-old VFW from a men’s club to a service organization open to all combat veterans.

“I want to change the way the VFW is viewed in the younger and women veterans’ eyes,” she said. “I also want to help posts in VFW District 29 work together.”

The Iraq War veteran added that teaching youth and former servicemembers what the VFW is about will achieve this goal.

“I want to educate children on the sacrifices that have been made for our freedom we enjoy today, and make sure our local heroes are always remembered,” she said. “And I’d like to get information out about resources that are available to veterans.”

Adams enlisted in the United States Marine Corps after graduating high school, and did four years of active duty. She was recalled after her initial discharge during the 2003 invasion of Iraq, and served as a motor vehicle operator.

During the ground offensive in Iraq, Adams’ unit – the 1^st and 2^nd Platoon Truck Company of the 25^th Marine Regiment, 4^th Marine Division – was tasked with helping supply fast-moving combat units with ammunition, food, fuel and water. Travelling along streets and highways, the Marines were often attacked by Iraq and insurgent forces, and had to deal with mines and improvised explosive devices.

“I wanted to join the toughest branch,” said Adams of her duty in Iraq. “I wanted to prove to myself that I could be part of the few and the proud, and be part of something bigger than myself.”

Adams completed her military service as a sergeant in 2009. Among the awards and decorations she earned are the Presidential Unit Citation, the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War On Terrorism Service Medal and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal. She also received two commendation certificates, as well as a letter of appreciation from another military branch her unit supported - the United States Army.

Following her discharge from the Marines, Adams started post-secondary studies in health, physical education, hospitality and tourism. The three associate’s degrees she subsequently earned from Allegany College of Maryland and the Newport Business Institute were funded through her Post-9/11 GI Bill Chapter 33 benefits.

Adams credits the military for the discipline she needed to complete her education. She added that the comradery and fellowship she experienced during her time as a Marine now motivates her to help veterans and their families through the VFW.

“Being part of the VFW is like being part of something big again,” the Marine said. “It’s good being around people who have been through what you’ve been through.”

As an example of what help the VFW can provide, Adams organized a Veteran’s Resource Fair this past March. The event featured various government and nonprofit groups that explained Veterans Administration health care benefits, VA pensions, burial and memorial benefits, housing, and the Department of Veterans Affairs Home Loan Guaranty Program.

According to Adams, many younger veterans aren’t aware that the VFW’s core mission is to provide support to veterans in need. She said her participation in the VFW helped her adjust more easily to civilian life, as well as get her through difficult times.

“It is all about you helping your brothers and sisters,” she said. “And letting your brothers and sisters help you.”

Health care, home and business loans, educational benefits and special employment preference for regional, state and national government jobs are available to qualified veterans, Adams said. She added that depending on their circumstances, veterans may also be eligible for aid and attendance benefits, nursing home, hospice, funeral and burial assistance. She also said that additional help can sometimes be obtained directly through the VFW and grants through its foundation.

“I want to help more posts adopt a welcome, family atmosphere,” said Adams about the VFW. “A lot of younger and female veterans have families. Making posts more family friendly will help bring in more members, and close some of the age gap we’re experiencing as well.”

Families are important, said Adams, because VFW District 29 must draw new members from a shrinking pool of veterans. According to U.S. Census Bureau data, the number of veterans in Allegheny County is projected to decrease from roughly 82,550 to 63,500 over the next five years. And not all of these veterans will be eligible for VFW membership.

“We have to offer something better than a smoky bar,” the Iraq War veteran said. “I think everybody knows the time for that is well past.”

Adams’ family is active in helping with VFW ‘Hilltoppers’ Post 8430. Her fiancé, retired Army Sgt. 1^st Class Richard R. King, serves as the post’s quartermaster. Daughters 18-year-old Sabrina Adams and three-year-old Madalyn King also help out at events, functions and ceremonies.

There are approximately 4,500 veterans in VFW District 29. For more information about VFW District 29 and its activities, contact Adams at: 412-823-9687 or jrvicecommandervfw8430@gmail.com.