If you’ve ever been over to the Portage American Legion Post 260 for a function, chances are you’ve run into Bernadette Esparza.
Esparza is a native of Blue Island, Illinois. She came to Portage about 35 years ago with her partner, Fred Holder. She also lived in Midlothian, Illinois prior to moving to Portage. Esparza quickly found out there is a friendly atmosphere in town.
“When I first came here, I didn't know anybody,” Esparza said. “I went to the post office, and everybody smiled. I went to Town and Country, and everybody smiled. I felt like I was being welcomed.”
Portage has changed quite a bit since Esparza moved to town. She pointed out there are many activities available to anyone, and Esparza embraces this change.
The 89-year old Esparza has two sons, one in the South Loop in Chicago and the other in Alsip, Illinois. She has two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Esparza’s family holds a special place in her heart. She even recently attended her cousin’s 50th wedding anniversary.
“It was good to see all the relatives,” Esparza said. “It seems like the only time we ever see each other is at wakes.”
Esparza’s family will be heading to town in October for her 90th birthday celebration. The shindig will be held at Post 260. With the Legion being like a second home to her, she will have her biological family and her Legion family at the party. She noted they don’t get to see each other very often, but when they do, they’re always happy to reconnect.
Esparza has learned a lot over the last nine decades. Her tenet is simple: Treat others the way you would want to be treated yourself. She also takes the extra step to be friendly to others whenever possible. Esparza makes it a point to hold the door for someone or even just give them a smile when she’s out and about.
“It doesn’t matter if I don't even know the people,” Esparza said, “If I see them on the walk or going into the store, I try to give them a smile.”
Esparza joined the Post 260 auxiliary not long after she moved to Portage. The role of the American Legion Auxiliary is to support the post with their activities, ceremonies and fundraisers. Esparza noted any kind of help the Legion needs, the auxiliary will be there.
“Anything that they wish to participate in, they know they can count on us for,” Esparza said. “We're there for them 100% of the time. We work as a team. That’s how we get everything done.”
Esparza is a member of Nativity of Our Savior Roman Catholic Church in Portage. She also volunteers with the parish festival. Esparza and her fellow parishioners are quite proud of the newly-elected Pope Leo XIV. Esparza noted one of the pontiff’s brothers lives in New Lenox, Illinois and attended the same parish as her son.