Guest blog post by American Legion Auxiliary Department of Arizona Unit 27 member April J. Miyasato
 
I joined The American Legion Family 12 years ago because I was passionate about the sacrifices my father, my uncles, my husband, and our veterans made for their country. I am especially proud of my father because I know the personal sacrifice he made for serving his country!
 
As an Auxiliary member of ALA Unit 27, Apache Junction, Ariz., I was surprised to discover that my Auxiliary unit at one time had a Ladies Honor Guard. I was so intrigued that I asked a friend, Raymond Williams, whois part of the Honor Guard and post chaplain, about the Honor Guard. Williams invited me to attend theirnext meeting. What a surprise for me because I got to meet some very impressive members of the HonorGuard! I knew right then that I wanted to be a part of that team.
 
I had a vision of reviving the Auxiliary Honor Guard because I saw the need to help our aging members. I also wondered who would carry on if any of the team members were forced to step down due to illness or age.
 
Joining the Honor Guard has been a great fit for me, and I am honored to serve for my post and our veterans. At present, I am the historian for the Honor Guard. I assist with raffles, fundraisers, the bugle, posting colors for our Legionnaire, Auxiliary, and American Legion Riders meetings, and celebrations of life. I also proudly assist the chaplain for services at the National Cemetery and celebrations of life for our veterans and their loved ones.
 
As the Honor Guard historian, I am presently working on a photo album showing the different activities we do. I don't think our members know how many volunteer hours, travel miles, and celebrations of life we do to honor our veterans.
 
For me, the Honor Guard is a way I can give back and honor my father, my loved ones, and all veterans fortheir sacrifices to this great nation of ours. God bless America!