Maria Keenmon joined VFW Post 12223 in Montgomery, TX, in 2025. She joined the U. S. Air Force in 1970 and fulfilled her enlistment in 1975 with an Honorable Discharge. She earned her VFW eligibility in 1972 while serving in Thailand during the Vietnam War as a Procurement Specialist.

 Her awards while serving in the U.S. Air Force include the National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, and Vietnam Service Medal.