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Maria Myers (second from left) is dedicated to giving our troops the heartfelt send-off they deserve. |
Maria Myers, 69, remembers World War II vividly. She remembers her family’s home destroyed by bombing when she was five. She remembers her family moving to a shack in a mountain valley by the Rhine River. Most importantly, she remembers her first encounter with American soldiers.
“The platoon approached our family’s home. My father — formerly of the German Army — stood in uniform with his gun to protect us. The American captain speaking German, said if Dad would hand over the weapon and change his clothes, he would let us stay.”
From this moment, Myers’ family and the American troops formed a friendship, trading coffee and cigarettes for black-market wine.
In 1945, the war was over. While the troops celebrated their victory and impending trip home, Myers cried, knowing her newfound heroes would be leaving her.
Now, some 60 years later, Myers is the Ladies Auxiliary President of VFW Post 2401 in Beaufort, N.C.
She continues to show her appreciation for those who serve freedom. Carrying on the work of Auxiliary Sister Nancy White, Myers makes frequent trips to Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station.
There she sends troops off to war with a last taste of home.
“I serve them all kinds of goodies like homemade cookies, brownies, cupcakes, coffee and Kool-Aid. I am so sad to see them go, but I know for a fact they are proud to serve.”
Myers has been going to the airport for over 14 months. She has logged 6,000-plus miles on her vehicle and over 650 hours of service. Sometimes she has helpers — her husband Daniel, her daughter Sylvia and friends Doris and George Pfieffer — but Myers is always there.
“I like the troops to know that they are appreciated,” said Myers. “I want to thank them for all they are doing for our country and the rest of the world.” | 
