Lowell American Legion Post Gets its First Female Commander

Vikisu Condon served proudly in the military for years. And yet, on more than one occasion, she has been overlooked at times when her male counterparts were acknowledged and applauded for their service. She isn’t sure why female veterans don’t always get the recognition they deserve. “That’s something I’m still trying to figure out,” she says.

However, she hopes her role as commander for the Lowell American Legion Post will help her spotlight the work of woman in the military while also advancing the needs of all veterans in the area. As a Vietnam-era veteran, Condon is the first female post commander in the history of the Lowell American Legion Post.

Navy Veteran Witnesses Military Changes

Today, women make up 16 percent of the enlisted forces and 18 percent of the officer corps in the U.S. Armed Forces. It was much different when Condon originally served in the Navy from 1971-1974. During that last year, only two percent of enlisted forces and eight percent of the officer corps were women. Those women faced restrictions on how they could serve as well..

“During my time in active duty, women were not allowed on ships,” Condon says. Instead, she was assigned to work in Washington D.C. with the Naval Investigative Service. That wasn’t the only restriction on women either. “Women were not allowed to have dependents,” Condon says. That meant that when she got married and found herself with five stepchildren, she needed to leave the military.

Later, military restrictions for women would loosen, and Condon joined the Navy Reserves where she completed 17 years of military service. She’s been a part of the American Legion for more than 25 years and has sat on the board of Lowell post. When the opportunity arose to become commander, she was excited by the chance to not only serve the community but also to encourage more women veterans to get involved with the organization.

American Legion: Protecting Veterans, Serving Communities

The American Legion was chartered by Congress in 1919 and is the largest wartime veteran’s service organization in the country. Any military member who has served federal active duty during a designated war era is eligible to join the Legion. Since we are currently in the midst of the Persian Gulf/War on Terrorism era, active servicemen and women can join the American Legion as well.

“As a whole, the American Legion rallies for veterans and protects them,” Condon says. Locally, the Lowell American Legion Post has, among other things, held potlucks for members and provided assistance for spouses when a person passes away.

However, the group’s service extends beyond its membership. “We’re doing a lot for the community and maybe the community doesn’t know that,” Condon reflects. The Lowell post has been involved in Memorial Day parades, restoring the Civil War cannon in Oakwood Cemetery and sending local students to Boys State and Girls State each year.

Boys State and Girls State are weeklong programs that bring together students from across Michigan to learn about civic leadership and participate in mock government simulations. “We send four students every year,” says Condon, who helped at Girls State this year. “I am just amazed at these young women.”

Joining the Military and the Legion

Condon is a firm believer in the benefits of military service. “The military itself is a wonderful opportunity for anyone – boy or girl,” she says. “If you don’t know what you’re doing out of high school, the military will give you a job and give you training.”

She also hopes eligible service members and veterans will consider joining the American Legion when they return to Lowell. Membership dues are less than $40 a year, and the post will cover the cost for the first year.

To get involved in the American Legion, contact Vikisu Condon at 897-8303. That number is for the Veterans of Foreign Wars hall on Alden Nash Ave., which shares its space with the American Legion, and they can pass along a message to Condon.

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