March 4, 2017 –
Orlando resident, known to many as “Navy Mom Mary”, originally started the Orlando Rocks Benefit Inc. more than four years ago.
The event, which also marked the start of Women’s History Month, was sponsored by VFW Post 4287, VFW Auxiliary and Semper Fidelis America, Inc., and honored Navy Chief Petty Officer (retired) Sharona Young. Young, an Orlando resident who medically retired from the Navy Reserve in 2014, was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.
Army Brig. Gen. Deborah L. Kotulich, commanding general, 143d Expeditionary Sustainment Command, served as the guest speaker for the event and is also the first female commanding general of the largest ESC in the Army Reserve.
Kotulich reflected on the various achievements women made throughout the history of our Armed Forces. “For the last 30 years, Americans have paused each March to celebrate and recognize the tremendous contributions women have made to the peace and prosperity of this great nation,” said Kotulich.
The President of the Orlando Simper Fidelis America chapter presented Young with a City of Orlando Proclamation signed by Mayor Buddy Dyer.
Daila Espeut-Jones, a former Soldier of the 143d ESC and council member of the City of Orlando Mayors Veterans Council, read the proclamation before hugging Sharona and thanking her for the many contributions as women and as a veteran.
“Submitting this award for Sharona was very special, this is called paying it forward and that’s exactly what she does,” said Daila.
The event was followed by a dinner and music from a live band. Guests continued to celebrate by participating in various activities to raise proceeds for Young and her family.