American Legion Auxiliary- Nationwide

My name is Marty Novak. I am an 11 year member of Unit 44 in Elephant Butte, NM. At the time I joined I had no idea of what the American Legion Auxiliary was all about. I am so proud to be a member of this great organization...and of my own Unit. Our Unit 44 is located in a small community in southern NM. Our members are caring, giving ladies who willingly volunteer their time and talents to serve our community, Veterans, residents of the NM Veterans Home and support the state and national programs of the American Legion Auxiliary. We also have 1 special program of which we are very proud. In September, 2003 we began our Care Packages to the Troops project. We began with the names of 7 local men and women with the intention of sending them Care Packages each month during their entire deployment. Our list has grown over the years to a high of 98 and currently about 60 a month. To date we have sent out over 4500 Care Packages. The community has now gotten involved. Local organizations and individuals regularly give us cash donations, Memorials, and supplies for the packages. We have enlisted the school children to write letters, draw pictures, and make Christmas and Valentine cards. One school contributes letters and art work each month and periodically collects toiletries and goodies in their classroom to add to the boxes. Winter visitors, members of our American Legion Family, and even non members show up to help on packing day. It seems that everyone wants to help out. I think we all feel that this is SOMETHING we can do to help these brave men and women who are sacrificing so much for us.

I am a 40 year member of the American Legion Auxiliary. I have been involved with volunteering and working with veterans for the past 37 years of my membership; and I never fail to be amazed at how much each veteran seems to appreciate everything you do for them. I feel that I am privileged to do some small part in making their recovery time and stay in the hospital just a little more pleasant. After all, I am indebted to them for their service to our Country and helping to keep us a free nation.

I am a member of the Florence, Kentucky Boone Post 4 Ladies Legion Auxiliary. I am a relatively new member and am overwhelmed by the amount of good work and support that the ladies provide the community and veterans. These ladies have lifes to live, families to care for, but still find the time to donate their time, talent, money, and compassion to help the world be a better for all. While working towards a common goal they have fun, meet new people, and learn new skills. While working on a fundraiser, our team realized that there is no "I" in team and worked together for great results. The Auxiliary is the heart and soul of the American Legion.

My name is Carol Lainhart and I have been a member of Unit 67 Versailles Ky for 16 years and my experience with the ladies auxiliary has been a blessing. I have had the opportunity to work with other units threw the district and department level and learned what the auxiliary was about and how we help our veterans,their families and communities through our different programs.To volunteer in the VA Hospital and bring a smile on a vets face. To reach a goal we set to help our fellow soldiers over seas fighting for our country.And it so much more than that, We work with our youth and teach them government values, history, and about legislation through our girls state program. There is scholarship for nursing,we are alway pushing our young girls to be the best that they can be. I can not begin to tell you how proud I am to be a part of such an organization. I encourage everyone who is eligible to get involved, you will have the opportunity of a lifetime.

My name is Sue Arvin and I have been a member of ALA Post 41 in Carrollton, Ky for 9 years. Last year our post hosted a ceremony honoring the Korean War Veterans and presenting them with a commemorative medal. It was wonderful to see the volunteer time that was put into this by our members and our community. We had many city officials in attendance and it was heartwarming to know that the whole community has a very patriotic spirit and took the time to thank these wonderful veterans for their service. The ALA puts in many hours every year to help veterans and their families, and I am very proud to be a member of this organization.

My name is Dianne McClung. I have been a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Department of West Virginia, and Parkersburg Unit #15. Thirty five years ago I married a veteran that was the Commander of Post 15. Before that I had no involvement in the Legion or Auxiliary and had no experience with them. Boy, did my life change. In addition to being employed all those years, I considered myself a full-time volunteer. I continue my involvement into my retirement years. I am a very patriotic person and the Americanism and Veterans Affairs and Rehabiliation programs appealed to me. The ALA is the largest women patriotic organization in the United States. Many dollars and hours have been spent to show our pride in our country. Children and Youth programs support Girls State that teach young ladies city, county and state government during a week long session. Over 350 high school junior girls attend our Girls State. Two girls are chosen to represent WV and go to DC in July to learn and participate in Senate activities. I have served over 15 years on Rhododendron Girls State staff. These girls also are taught how our organization supports veterans and why they should be proud of those serving our country. Our Unit members volunteer at our local VA clinic and coordinate the volunteers. I could go on and on but as you can see,the American Legion Auxiliary continues to support our current servicepersonnel and those who have served. Ninty years of service!!!

My name is Pat Wanoreck from Fort Worth, Texas and have been a member of the American Legion Auxiliary for 36 years. I originally joined for the social activities, received the monthly newsletter and all of my friends were listed as workers in the kitchen, bingo etc. Well I was never asked to help in any way so the second year did not renew my membership. So I received a phone call about paying my dues for the second year and I told the lady that I guessed they did not need me because I was never asked to do anything. Hmmm from that day forward I was involved in everything going on and became an officer the 3rd year and have been an officer within my Unit every year since. Everything from Historian, Treasurer, Parliamentarian, Vice President and President several times off and on over these many years. Then I got involved in the District and Division activities, became an officer on both levels, eventually becoming President of both District and Division. Of course Department level came next and after serving on many committees became Department President in 1997-1998. Well that led to serving on the National level as NEC and some committees. I thoroughly believe in the programs of our organization especially serving the veterans at our local Outpatient Clinic and VAMC. I have also volunteered in school activities within my community. But the very best part of my membership is the travel and the many friends throughout the country. Every National event is filled with warm hellos and hugs from these friends. I call the travel and the friends a fringe benefit of membership in our great organization.