Ohio's first all-female color guard members are Lakeland Community College affiliates
Jul. 1—The Lakeland Community College Veterans Center and the local chapter of the Student Veterans of America have collaborated with the national organization Team Red, White and Blue to form Ohio's first all-female American Legion color guard, officials announced this week.
A guard is a unit charged with the protection and presentation of the nation's flag — commonly referred to as the colors. The presentation of the colors and the color guard are steeped in tradition and history, mainly used in ceremonies that honor the nation and its military.
The guard is comprised of six members — including Lakeland students, alumni, faculty and staff — representing multiple branches of the military.
"To be the first all-female American Legion color guard in the state of Ohio, knowing that there have been fewer than 10 in the nation, is something really special," said S. Rhonda Osagie-Erese, manager of Lakeland's Veterans Center. "There will never be another first. Female veterans are now starting to gain recognition."
On July 1, the guard was presenting the colors during a pregame show at the Lake County Captains game in Eastlake.
Osagie-Erese added that while the nation's brothers in arms have emulated the discipline and bravery it takes to protect the country's freedoms so too have women.
"Women have sacrificed, died and bravely fought for our way of life since the Civil War," she said. "This color guard stands for all the women who served, yet were never regarded as veterans. We see the female veterans of Ohio and worldwide and we honor them."
About the Lakeland Veterans Center
Lakeland Community College is committed to helping active-duty personnel, veterans, reservists and dependents attain their personal and professional goals. The center assists with questions about educational benefits, advice on how to fill out and complete Veterans Affairs forms, and more.
For more information, visit lakelandcc.edu/veterans.
