Ronnie Turner‐Winston grew up in the Washington DC area better known now as the DMV. After University of Maryland, she enlisted in the United States Air Force. She served 4 years active duty during Operation Desert Storm and 4 years reserves. Her last tour of duty left her at Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul, IL where she met her husband, with whom she has four children. Currently they reside in Urbana and she works in human resources at Parkland Community College. In the Air Force she frequently volunteered with military commemorative events and parades, in addition to her responsibilities as a chapel management specialist. Once Chanute air base closed she began looking for an organization that would offer her the camaraderie and sense of purpose the military did. She is currently Post Senior Vice Commander with American Legion Post #559. The American Legion is a meeting place for veterans, a place to seek assistance with veteran affairs, a stepping stone to gaining leadership in the community, and for some of us a home away from home.

Ronnie was featured in Difference Makers 2010: An eBlack Champaign-Urbana Publication.