A lifelong, committed patriot

Betty Lou Bennett doesn't keep her passionate support of the United States a secret.

By Jean Hayes, Times Staff Writer
Published March 3, 2008

Betty Lou Bennett is a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10209 and enjoys working with children and young people.
	[Maurice Rivenbark | Times]

Q: How long have you lived in Hernando County, and where do you live? Where did you live previously?

A: My husband, Ron, and I moved to Spring Hill in 1986. We moved here from Chicago.

Q: Who are the members of your family?

A: I have three daughters: Pamela Bormann, who lives in Illinois with her husband, Doug, and family; Debbie Schramm, who lives with her husband, Larry, in Hudson; and Gwen Gore, who lives in Spring Hill. I have eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Q: Tell us about your career.

A: I spent 27 years in the retail industry, and then 15 years in restaurant and catering management before moving to Florida. My career now is serving veterans through my volunteer work.

Q: What kinds of activities are you involved in now?

A: I'm a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10209 and serve as the children and youth chairwoman. I'm also a member of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 186, where I am currently serving as chaplain, Americanism chairwoman and Girls State chairwoman.

I'm a member and past president of the Democratic Women's Club and currently serve as the publicity chairwoman.

Q: Tell me more about your VFW involvement.

A: I served in VFW District 21 as district president in 2000-01 and again in 2006-07. Membership was 100 percent in both of those terms. During the 2006-07 term, I was awarded second-place District President of the Year by the state of Florida in Group B.

Q: Do you have any special hobbies?

A: I enjoy working with children and youth, reading, hand-hooking rugs and I love good music and dancing. I also enjoy art shows.

Q: What are your favorite things to do in Hernando County?

A: Attending the many functions at the different VFW halls and at American Legion Post 186 in Spring Hill. I strive to assist veterans in Hernando County and am vastly interested in veterans affairs. I also enjoy working with candidates running for public office. One of my greatest satisfactions is working with the Girls State delegates and alternates each year.

Q: What do you think would make Hernando County a better place to live?

A: Less crime, less illegitimacy, more responsible citizens and more patriotism all around. I would especially love to see all of the ragged American flags now flying on cars, businesses and homes replaced with fresh, new flags to honor our veterans and servicemen and women and our great country.

Q: Tell us something about yourself that most people don't know.

A: It might already be apparent, but my hard-core patriotism and respect for veterans runs in the family. My husband, Ron, who passed away in April 2003, served in the Marines Corps Special Forces during World War II and later in the Korean War. I have five grandchildren who also serve in the military - two in the Marines, one in the Navy and two in the Air Force (one of whom is in Special Forces). My granddaughter, who serves in the Air Force, was working in the Pentagon building when terrorists attacked America on Sept. 11, 2001.

Through my volunteerism and dedication to veterans, I am working toward helping our local veterans who have been injured in Iraq receive the benefits they deserve. This work earned me a citation award a year or so ago.

Something else most folks don't know about me: About five years ago, I met a wonderful handicapped woman while I was spending time with my ailing husband at Consulate Health Care Of Bayonet Point, and today, I spend time with her each week, helping not only to keep her company, but also helping with errands. It's grown into a great friendship.

Also, in 1980 in St. Paul, Minn., I met Ronald Reagan while I was working for his campaign.

Hernando Neighbors is an occasional feature of the Hernando Times. Do you know someone who would make a good profile? We'd like to hear from you. Contact Jean Hayes, community news coordinator, at jhayes@sptimes.com or 848-1438.

[Last modified March 2, 2008, 19:29:56]