Sharon Therrien got a big surprise Feb. 17 when she was presented the Americanism Award for her numerous contributions as a member of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 108 in Oxford.

“This award is one of the highest that a unit can give,” said Ellen Jackson, past president of the American Legion Auxiliary Department of Michigan, who presented the plaque and medal.

It’s only bestowed upon auxiliary members who have demonstrated “outstanding dedication to our principles and our standards,” Jackson explained.

“I was in shock, actually, that anyone noticed . . . what I do because I’ve been doing it for so long,” said Therrien, an auxiliary member since 2002 and resident of Brandon Township. “I’m kind of tickled.”

It was Pat Bliss, president of Auxiliary Unit 108, who recommended Therrien for the honor.

Jackson read aloud the nomination letter that Bliss wrote.

According to Bliss, through her volunteer efforts, Therrien “has exemplified everything that Americanism stands for.”

Therrien “unselfishly” donates “her time and energy working (at) the (Legion Post 108) fish frys” and she’s “very instrumental” in organizing packing parties to create care packages for United States troops overseas, Bliss wrote.

She is “always around to lend a helping hand” at the post and often serves veterans by delivering items, such as lap blankets and food, to their homes and allowing them to bend her ear, according to Bliss.

Therrien has also travelled around Michigan and visited approximately 40 other Legion posts in an effort to teach people ways they can better serve the veteran community.

“I help the veterans where I can,” Therrien said.

Therrien is supportive of veterans and sympathetic to their cause because her husband, Bob, served in the Vietnam War as a member of the U.S. Army. The couple will celebrate their 34th wedding anniversary on March 3.

Bob, a member of Post 108, has a 100 percent disability rating from the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs. She said his disability is a result of wounds he sustained during the war and exposure to Agent Orange, a mix of herbicides used by the military from 1962-71 to kill the dense jungle vegetation that concealed the enemy’s movements and position.

Her experience helping her husband obtain the benefits he’s entitled to and the assistance he requires has made her quite knowledgable when it comes to navigating the labyrinth of government agencies and veterans organizations.

“I’m a great resource. I’ve been around the block,” Therrien said. “I try to hook people up with whatever they need. I kind of fill in the gaps . . . I introduce people to people.”

When it comes to dealing with the government, Therrien said she “learned a long time ago” that it’s all about finding the “right question” and asking it.

In addition to veterans, Therrien takes members of her church, Seymour Lake United Methodist, to services, medical appointments and shopping. “I work with anybody that needs me,” she said.