Florida Virtual School Educator Named First Female Commander of Marianna VFW Post

December 5, 2025

Jenel D’Alessandro, Florida Virtual School science instructor and U.S. Navy veteran, recently became the first female commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 12046 in Marianna, Florida. 

Florida Virtual School (FLVS) congratulates Jenel D’Alessandro, a science instructor for Florida Virtual Middle School, on becoming the first female commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 12046 in Marianna, Florida. With this accomplishment, she is also the first female commander to serve in any veteran’s organization in Jackson County.

D’Alessandro, a U.S. Navy veteran who served during Desert Shield and Desert Storm, said the appointment is an honor and an opportunity to inspire other women veterans. 

“Breaking barriers shows others that leadership is about commitment and service, not gender,” D’Alessandro said. “I hope it inspires more women veterans to step into leadership roles.”

Her leadership at VFW Post 12046 includes organizing community events such as the annual Veterans Day Parade and supporting programs like the Patriots’ Pen National Essay Contest, which has seen participation from more than 30 FLVS students in the past three years.

In addition to her new role, D’Alessandro was also named Florida VFW Middle School Teacher of the Year for 2024-25, recognizing her dedication to education and her ability to make science engaging and relatable for students.

D’Alessandro has taught with FLVS for nearly six years. She said her decision to join FLVS after leaving the military was driven by a desire to continue serving others.

“Serving others has always been part of who I am,” she said. “In the military, it meant supporting my shipmates and protecting our country. Now, as an online teacher for FLVS, it means helping students discover their potential and continuing to give back to my community.”

During her Navy career, D’Alessandro worked as a fireman, personnelman, and educational petty officer, training recruits at the Orlando Naval Training Center. She said those experiences taught her discipline, leadership, and patience, qualities she now brings to her virtual classroom.

FLVS was recently named a Purple Star School of Distinction for its outstanding support of military families. The designation recognizes schools that demonstrate a strong commitment to students and families connected to the military through programs, resources, and community partnerships. FLVS offers flexible learning options and dedicated support to help military families thrive academically, regardless of where they are stationed.