OBSERVER Photo by Anthony Dolce Roger Bingham, commander of the American Legion of Chautauqua County, swears in Denise Puskar as the first woman commander in Fredonia American Legion Post 59 history.

For the first time in their history, the Fredonia American Legion Post 59 has a woman in command.

On Thursday night, Sgt. 1st Class Denise Puskar was sworn in to become the first woman in command of the Post, which was first incorporated in 1927. Puskar said the opportunity means a lot to her, and to other women serving in the armed forces.

“I think this is only the beginning,” she said “I think females have the opportunity and I think this post gives me the opportunity… the glass ceiling is right in front of me.”

Puskar has been serving as a member of the U.S. Army for 35 years, and continues her service as an Army recruiter in West Seneca. Through her 35 years of service, she said her biggest challenge was being the one woman in a sea of men, and her getting sworn in as commander of Legion Post 59 is something she couldn’t have seen for herself until now.

“Not at all,” said Puskar. “This is not something I could have seen happening until right now.”

Puskar said that over the last six years of watching Post 59, she’s learned how to do things right and wrong, how to change things, and what to leave alone. She also mentioned that Post 59 is a post big on tradition, and she would like to keep it that way. “Tradition is a huge part of what this post stands for,” said Puskar. “I want this post to remain traditional, with a little change… I hope to be the best commander I can possibly be with this post.”

Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel was on hand as well, and noted that while Puskar isn’t the first woman commander in Chautauqua County, it does not make the accomplishment any less special. “When you think of the evolution of female leadership in Chautauqua County, United States, and the state,” said Wendel. “This is evidence that the trust and faith of a traditional post such as this puts their dedication and trust into their commander, regardless of sex. This is truly monumental.”

Puskar received a pin, placed on her lapel as part of her appointment to the position of command, as well as Chautauqua County’s Certificate of Recognition from Wendel.