★ ★ Si TWIN MISSIONSsters Support Veterans Together


serving veterans and soldiers, their families and communities. Lupita M. Perez and


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Juanita M. Collins are sisters – twin sisters – and they share a passion for supporting men and women who served our country. Perez is the fi rst-ever female Commander at VFW Post 7473. She is also a member of VFW Auxiliary 7473, where her sister is President. “Juanita knows me well,” Perez said, “and she


understands the unique needs of veterans – especially those who have gone to war. We can support each other (with the Post and Auxiliary) and are able to get the job done.” Perez served more than 14 years in the U.S. Army,


joining the military right out of high school. She took a 12-year break to raise her children, then became a reservist after 9/11 compelled her to return to service. She was activated and sent to Kuwait and


es, you are seeing double. Double the commitment to


then Iraq. Now Perez is back home in Elsa, Texas, working closely with her sister and Auxiliary. For them, teaming


up to improve the lives of veterans is a unique partnership. “T e bond between a


sister or brother is strong and even more so for us


We complement each other. Our mutual


love of country and the fact that we both have sons serving (in the military) at this time make us even more driven and essentially unwavering in our desire to keep our Post and our community involved to better the lives of veterans and their families.” After a more than 10-year hiatus, Post 7473


has an Auxiliary once again. It was reestablished in March of 2015. Together, the two groups have worked on an important renovation project – their new Post/Auxiliary home, a historic theater donated by the city. Before that, Post 7473 was a nomadic


“The Auxiliary gives me a connection to my sister at a level I could not have otherwise.”


— Juanita M. Collins 10 | VFW Auxiliary Magazine ★


being twins,” Collins said. “We truly have that special connection.


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