VFW dedication for devoted former auxiliary member

Sometimes a mother’s love extends well beyond her children. Sometimes, a mother has a love so big, she pours it out into community service. Indeed that is the love Diane Penny had for those she served during her more than twenty years as a member of the Auxiliary. As a member, her goals were big and yet simple. She wanted nothing more than to improve the VFW, bring in new members, and do good works for her community.

Devoted. That is just one word her daughter, Shannon Jackson, used to describe her mother. As she says, “She wanted to make this place the best place you could be. When you come in, you could have the best time.” Penny is in great part responsible for the creation of the ballroom that will eventually be dedicated in her honor.

However, it wasn’t just her hard work and dedication that will be the reason for the dedication. It was her love. Talking with Jackson, one gets the impression that Penny had a heart as big as Texas. When working at the VFW she would always make sure that anyone who had too much to drink got home safely. She wanted the VFW to be an honorable place as well. A place for families. In this, she also commanded a certain amount of respect. Jackson remembers, “I don’t ever remember there being a bar fight.”

When Jackson heard the post had closed and command had changed, she called and asked after her mother’s vest.

he couldn’t imagine it sitting tucked away somewhere. Telling Post Commander Jered Graham about her mother, he decided to dedicate the ballroom in her honor. A ceremony was planned for July, however, after a spike in Covid-19 cases, Governor Greg Abbott closed all bars on Friday, June 26 at noon until further notice.

Once bars are allowed to reopen, plans will be made for a formal dedication ceremony to a much deserving woman who was full of love for her community and the veterans who served.