March 28, 2024
On the Record


On the Record

Leading by example

On the Record with Laurie Emmer

SYCAMORE – For Laurie Emmer, honoring veterans is more than a one-day celebration on Veterans Day, Nov. 11.

Emmer served 23 and a half years in the U.S. Army, entering Aug. 4, 1983. Her military occupational specialty was medic. Some of her schools were the Basic Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia; Advanced Airborne School, Jumpmaster and Airborne Movement Operations Course, at Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Pathfinder course at Fort Benning, Georgia; and Advanced Individual Training and Advanced Non-Commissioned Officer Course at Fort Sam Houston, Texas.

Some of her awards include the Expert Field Medical Badge, Combat Medical Badge, Jumpmaster Badge with senior rating and Pathfinder Badge. Emmer completed a combat tour to Afghanistan, three tours with the 82d Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, two tours at Fort Benning, Georgia, one tour at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, and one tour in South Korea.

She also has a Bachelor of Arts degree in business administration, Bachelor of Arts in history and Bachelor of Arts in political science, emphasis international relations.

Emmer is the state commander for the Veterans of Foreign Wars. She was installed as state commander, a one-year appointed position, in June.

Emmer also ran for a second term on the DeKalb County Board. Emmer, a Republican, is leading with 2,334 votes, or 51.66% of votes. She is ahead of Democratic candidate Amber Quitno, who had 2,184 votes.

She is married to Michael Emmer, a retired Army Infantryman and combat veteran. They have four children and live in Sycamore.

Emmer spoke to MidWeek reporter Katrina Milton about her role as state commander, women in the military and the importance of celebrating Veterans Day.

Milton: What do you do in your role of state commander?

Emmer: My role is like being in charge of a nonprofit. I have a lot of responsibilities. A big aspect of our veterans organization is membership. We have 297 VFW posts in Illinois, employees and properties. I preside over meetings, attend business meetings and make sure our posts do not violate laws, including state laws. I also approve of disbursement of funds and travel to visit posts throughout Illinois.

Milton: How and why did you join the VFW?

Emmer: I was approached by a World War II veteran, Joe Bussone , who told me what it’s about. After I had been out of the Army for about a year, I felt a little lost. I needed to be involved in something and serve others. I joined Sycamore VFW Post 5768 in 2006. There were quite a few good members in the post and I liked what they were doing, because they were helping other vets.

Milton: Why did you decide to assume a leadership role?

Emmer: After one year, I attended a district meeting. I realized the best way to change the culture was to stay with it and assume a leadership position. I was the first female Sycamore post commander, first female district commander and the first female state commander. I wanted to lead by example. If I start it, others can follow.

Milton: Why is it important to be a woman veteran in a leadership position?

Emmer:  It’s a way to remind everyone that women do serve in the military. There are a lot of women that serve, and it is a place women belong. I’ve been asked, “What can a woman do in a combat unit?” and I respond, “The same things men do.” Young girls are pretty tough. I have daughters. Girls are just as capable of going out there, hanging in there, just as well as males. Females can join the infantry. There has been the first female in special forces, the Marines and U.S. Army Ranger School. If they have the heart and soul and are willing to put in the physical work to do it, they can do it. We’re all capable.

Milton: How would you describe the importance of Veterans Day?
Emmer: Veterans Day is very important to celebrate, even without a big event. Just acknowledging the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11 month is fine. You can acknowledge it at home with your family. It doesn't have to be a ceremony. Many ceremonies were canceled this year due to an abundance of caution with the coronavirus pandemic, but some are still being held virtually.

Milton: Why is Veterans Day important?

Emmer: It’s important to celebrate the veterans of past and present and the many sacrifices they made. Some gave their lives in service, but all gave their time. It’s so important to spend time with and listen to veterans, especially the stories of older veterans. Once they’re gone, we won’t hear those stories anymore. Once they pass away, it’s gone forever.

Milton: How can people celebrate Veterans Day during the pandemic?
Emmer: Celebrating is very difficult during the pandemic. Elderly veterans can't leave nursing or elder care facilities to see their family members. We have held root beer float parties for them. We give the nurses all the supplies they need. Before the pandemic, older veterans loved having somebody to sit and talk with them. It's a great experience to be around them, but we can't do that right now. So many feel isolated and lonely. Sending a card can help, something small you can do to let them know that we remember and they are not forgotten.

Milton: How can you join the VFW?
Emmer: Any veteran of a foreign war can join the VFW, whether they were honorably discharged or are currently serving and are active duty. Foreign wars include Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia, the Gulf, Vietnam, Grenada, Panama or South Korea during peacetime for more than 30 days. Membership is open to all military branches. The auxiliary is open to family members, including husbands, wives, mothers, fathers, sons and daughters, anyone older than 16 years old.

For information about the Veterans of Foreign Wars, visit www.vfw.org or www.vfwil.org.