First woman elected to lead Moorpark American Legion

local, county and state government.

Growing up having both parents in the Navy and a grandfather who served in World War I and World War 2, it only seemed natural to follow along the family tradition by serving the country in some way.

For this Pierce College student, following her family’s tradition was unfortunately not what she initially had in mind pursuing.

Barbara Lombrano, is originally from Sulphur, Louisiana where she attended Sulphur High School and received a band scholarship to McNeese State University located in Lake Charles, Louisiana, where she studied law.

To Lombrano’s surprise she joined a local sorority called Chi Omega and began making new friends on campus but soon began to realize that it all wasn’t quite for her.

Taking a break from her academics, she later decides to make a fresh new start and transferred to Louisiana State University in which she moved in with her father who lived two hours away in Baton Rouge. She then realizes that school wasn’t exactly where she was supposed to be and decides to sign up for the Navy.

“It didn’t feel like college was where I needed to be,” said Lombrano.

Excited about finally following the family’s tradition, Lombrano quickly becomes disappointed when the recruiter announces that there was a delay in their entry program.

Adding her name to a long list of new recruits and is told she would be expected to go in for training later on that year. The week before her 19th birthday Lombrano unexpectedly receives a call asking her to report to duty and heads to Houston for the beginning process of the American Navy Reserve.

“I celebrated my 19th birthday in boot camp,” said Lombrano.

After bootcamp, Lombrano was stationed for two years in Hawaii and worked as a secretary for the engineering dept. where she was able to practice some of the law skills she had learned.

While on a visit to the dental office, Lombrano came across a dental technician and became very interested in the field of work.

As the technician expressed her excitement about being in the dentistry field Lombrano felt it would be a great fit and gave it a shot.

After being approved, Lombrano began the dental program that trained her for several months and she moved on to dental school.

“And I loved it,” said Lombrano.

Several years later Lombrano at the age of 50 is a full-time student and mother of two who has been recently elected to the American legion as commander at the Moorpark post.

The American legion is largest veterans service organization in the world with a mission in serving their military members, veterans, and their families in any way they can.

“She’s a very strong and smart woman. She’s fair and open minded, we need more people like her. This is the stuff she loves to do,” said Natasha Oleas, daughter of Lombrano.

“She loves to get involved in the community and she loves to help people. It’s just in her nature,” continued Oleas.

Although it has taken 48 years for a female to become commander of the Moorpark post, studies have shown that there are more men than women who are active in The American Legion. Unfortunately there have been no records kept on how many member have been women have worked for the legion.

“For some reason women don’t think they’re vets. My goal is to really be out there and have a face for the legion, and try to get more women involved.. I believe diversity makes any organization run so much better,” said Lombrano. Lombrano and The American

Legion want to make the world a better place for all veterans like for those who are still serving and students.

Weather it’s going to high schools giving presentations on proper flag etiquette or working closely with The American Legion Boys State.

Boys State, is one of the most respected educational programs offered in U.S. high-schools as students get hands on experience in writing bills, running for office, and becoming part of the operation of

“These types of activities are necessary to build traits and characteristics that cannot be taught in the classroom. Barbara embodies what the American Legion stands for,” said Kaycea Campbell Ph.D. Assistant Professor. “She has all the necessary leadership traits, she sets an excellent example, and is a role model for both men and women to follow, “ continued Campbell. For Lombrano, she believes that being in the military is a personal decision and great way to obtain job experience, training while still being able to go to college.

Majoring in business management, Lombrano is planning to transfer to California State University, Northridge where she will obtain her bachelor’s degree.

“And she’s in my Women in Politics class and we’re talking about breaking the barriers for women, as you can see barriers are still being broken. It’s very exciting. We’re lucky to have her,” said Denise Munro Robb, Ph.D. Assistant Professor.

She will continue her outstanding works as a patriotic person while managing work, school, and the American Legion.

She still finds time start and promote the banner program that gives veterans the opportunity to have their own banner that includes their name and branch of service on it.

The banners are planned to be hung outside of the city for those to a take a moment of silence for those who served our country.

She will also be participating in Moorpark Country Days on September 27, 2014 at, the Historic High Street where there will be a free parade and she welcomes all to come and the celebration.