Sycamore veteran first woman to take command of the Illinois VFW

SYCAMORE – Laurie Emmer of Sycamore assumed command of the Illinois Veterans of Foreign Wars in June, the first woman ever to hold the position.

Because of COVID-19, a state convention was not held.

Emmer is the first female state commander and first Afghanistan veteran to command the Illinois VFW. She also serves on the DeKalb County Board.

Emmer served honorably in the U.S. Army from 1983 to 2005, retiring as a Sgt. 1st Class medic. She earned her eligibility to the Veterans of Foreign Wars after deploying to Afghanistan with Task Force 504, 82nd Airborne Division, in 2003 and with earlier service in South Korea.

Laurie earned the Combat Medical Badge, Expert Field Medical Badge, Pathfinder Tab and Senior Parachutist Badge during her service. She was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal 6th award, Army Achievement Medal 9th award, National Defense Service Medal 2nd award, Korea Defense Service Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal.

Emmer is a Gold Legacy Life Member of Sycamore Post 5768, where she served in various positions including post commander, earning All State Post Commander Honors. She was also the All American Commander of the 19th District, VFW State Surgeon for two years and was a National Aide de Camp.

Emmer lives in Sycamore with her husband, Mike, who is a retired Army Sgt. 1st Class. Laurie has four children, two of whom are veterans, and five grandchildren.