This article features Sharon Marie Leslie

My name is Sharon Marie (Harris) Leslie, but I go by “Sherri”. I was born and raised in New Castle, Delaware and went to a Catholic school. I joined the NJROTC at DelCastle Vocational Technical High School where I also earned my license as a Cosmetologist upon graduating in June 1976. I joined the U.S. Navy in July of 1976 and went to the Naval Recruit Center in Orlando, Florida. When I graduated in October 1976 my first duty station was Adak, Alaska. I was transferred in March of 1977 to the Naval Trident Refit Facility in Bangor, Washington. I had a beautiful baby girl named Crystal in July 1977. From there I transferred to the Naval Facility Lewes, Delaware and left active duty in April 1981, prior to the closing of that base in September of 1981. After leaving active duty, I obtained an Associate’s Degree in Computer Science from Delaware Technical Community College.

I married my husband of 43 years, (Joseph) Roger Leslie on May 2, 1981, and had my second daughter, Jennifer in April of 1982. In July 1982, I joined the Naval Reserves where I served in Wilmington, Delaware from 1982 to 1995. I then transferred to the Aviation Supply Depot (now Naval Station, Philadelphia) in Northeast Philadelphia. I became Chief Petty Officer in 1998 and Senior Chief in 2002. As a reservist I worked for two Shipping Companies and then joined Cherokee Information Services as a contractor at the Naval Station supporting the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA). I then applied for a full-time job with the DLA. They supply all the necessary equipment, consumables, food & medical supplies as well as uniforms, etc. to all branches of the military. They also supply all the military medals and even the Presidential & Service Flags. When serving in the Reserves in Philadelphia I was recalled to active duty to serve in the 1st Naval Customs Battalion during the Iraqi War. I was stationed in Kuwait for 9 months. I retired in January 2006.

My dad, Douglas A. Harris, Sr., was in the Korean War. He and my stepmother signed me up for the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Auxiliary when I turned 16. I was not active when I was young but did go to several events at the post.

I have been a VFW Auxiliary Lifemember since 2003 and am very active now, as I am the VFW Auxiliary State President for the Department of Delaware. I have held the offices of Chief of Staff in 2021-2022; Jr. Vice President 2022-2023; Sr. Vice President 2023-2024. As a result of service in the Iraqi War I qualified for the VFW. I am one of the last Dual Members allowed in the VFW and the ONLY Dual Member in Delaware to have held both the Office of State Commander & State President for the Department of Delaware VFW & Auxiliary. I was VFW Department of Delaware State Commander 2016-2017 (only Female Commander in Delaware thus far); Post Commander 2010-2014 and 2017-2018; Sr. Vice for VFW Dist. 2 four times.

My Husband, Roger Leslie was one of the first males to join the VFW Auxiliary when they finally approved men to join, back in 2015. He was always by my side when I was State Commander, so it was only natural that he got credit for his work. As a result, he is the first and ONLY male President for the VFW Auxiliary Department of Delaware. My Daughter Crystal Gayle Harris Lancour is married to her husband Rich and has two sons, Thomas, born in 2000, and Adrew (AJ) born in 2003. My daughter, Jennifer Marie Leslie Martin is married to her husband Jamieson Martin, Sr. and they have three boys. Jamieson Marin, Jr. was born in 2007, Gavin was born in 2011, and Colton Tucker was born in 2020. I am so proud of all of them. My daughters both have the P.H.D. in Education and I will soon have a 2nd grandson make Eagle Scout. My 3 oldest grandsons and my daughters are all Auxiliary Members.

I am a Lifemember of the American Legion and AM Vets; a member of Military Woman Across the Nation in First State Military Woman Warriors, Unit #10; a Board Member for Brain Conley Resiliency Center (Warriors Helping Warriors) a transitional home for Veterans; and many other organizations. I loved to ski, bowl, read, hang out with my grandsons, and enjoy my place at the beach. I also help my 90 year old mother, Joan Simmons, as much as I can.

God Bless my family, my life and God Bless America!

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