Living the Message...
Honoring those who show Respect, Dignity,
Respect
Bobbie Billsborrow wears many hats in the McKeesport community. She is a familiar
face among McKeesport Lions Club and International Village volunteers who do their
part to serve the community and bring top-notch events to Renziehausen Park.
What people may not know is that much of Billsborrow’s community service is done
in support of those who have served in the American Armed Forces.
Billsborrow proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1977 to 1998, including stations in
the Naval Brig Philadelphia, Sigonella (VR24), NMPC Washington, USS Sierra (AD-18),
Hydrofiol Squadron 2, PSD Brawdy Wales, PSD Pittsburgh, USS Theodore Roosevelt
(CVN-71).
Today, she is active in veterans programming and has served the past two years as
Commander of the Burt Foster American Legion Post 361 of McKeesport. She is very
involved in encouraging the community’s recognition of local veterans.
With the utmost respect for individuals who have served their country at times of
peace and times of conflict, Billsborrow wanted McKeesport to recognize servicemen
and women whose roots are here. She joined McKeesport Councilwoman Jamie
Brewster Filotei in spearheading the McKeesport Veterans Banner Program, which
displays pictures of men and women who have made their community proud through
service in any and all branches of the Armed Forces.
Billsborrow’s insight and connection with regional veterans groups allowed the city
to hang nearly 50 banners in the program’s first season. The banners will be on display
annually from Memorial Day through Veterans Day.
The McKeesport Veterans Banner Program is one of several city activities that allows
area residents to show their respect for veterans of the past and those who serve their
nation today. Billsborrow also participates in ceremonies at Memorial Day and Veterans
Day, and a fall celebration of patriotism.
As the banner program continues to thrive, Billsborrow is accepting orders from
local families who wish to honor their beloved veterans. For more information, email
amlegionpost361@gmail.com.
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Dignity
Chris Preston believes her mission in life is to teach young people, who may
have strayed from the path to success, how to get back on the right track.
As a 62-year-old lifelong McKeesporter, Preston has been a welcoming face to
teens and young adults who have furthered their education in the Mon Valley
Bridge program or are now participating in the Community Empowerment
Association’s Work Force Development Initiative. Both of these programs provid B