12 | AUGUST 4 • 2022
ON THE COVER
T
he Jewish War Veterans-Department
of Michigan (JWV) held its annual
meeting at Temple Shir Shalom on
Sunday, June 26. The event featured the official
installation of newly elected leadership, as well
as remarks from office holders
who collectively provided what
could be called a “State of the
Department address.
”
As the department’s adjutant
and a patron of JWV Shapiro-
Rose Post 510, I had the priv-
ilege of participating in the
proceedings. There was much
to celebrate as members proudly
summarized the recent participation of the
JWV in events and philanthropic efforts in
communities throughout Metro Detroit. (See
sidebar on page 15.)
It wasn’t until the end of the program, when
members were asked to gather for a group
photograph at the front of the sanctuary, that
I would soon become aware of a singular, yet
notable difference in the makeup of this year’s
JWV membership.
A young woman stood among the veterans
preparing for their photo op. My first thought
was she must be the proud grandchild of one
of the JWV members. Well, I would soon
be reminded of the pitfalls of preconceived
notions.
Moments later, I was introduced to 19-year-
old Private First Class (Pfc.) Rachel Baker
of the Michigan Army National Guard
(MIARNG). It turns out the West Bloomfield
resident is JWV-MI’s newest, youngest and
only female in-service member in the orga-
nization. She was taking her rightful place
Alan
Muskovitz
Contributing
Writer
From Frankel
to Fatigues
Determined high school grad forgoes her
prom for basic training.
Pfc. Rachel Baker
in her fatigues.
JERRY ZOLYNSKY