VFW Auxiliary 2018 wrap-up

The Auxiliaries of the VFW and American Legion ended 2018 with various projects. Several projects united the two groups that support the military. September found the groups recognizing and promoting Suicide Awareness Month. The VFW held an essay and an art contest for all ages. They also participated in the Awareness Walk and the reception and program which followed.

In September the American Legion and Auxiliary hosted the District meeting which was well attended and informational. The VFW and Auxiliary members attended District meetings in Sidney, both groups received awards and certificates for their accomplishments. The VFW and Auxiliary presented the last local Gold Star Mother, Mae Walsh, with roses and carnations during the Sunday ceremony dedicated to remembering the special mothers. Her son, Truman Walsh, was killed in Vietnam in 1969, shortly after his arrival overseas.

As October finished up, the Patriot’s Pen youth essays and Voice of Democracy entries gave local judges two nights of determining the winners in each division. Local entries were then sent to District level for competition.

With November observing Veteran’s Day, the two groups hosted dinner for the Veterans and friends of the community. The Sons of the Legion and American Legion Auxiliary Juniors assisted with serving the dinner and were also assisted by young volunteers. The American Legion Auxiliary sponsored a Christmas card coloring contest and the cards were sent to The Grace Home in Great Falls for homeless Veterans. The AMA also collected donations of “change for homeless Veterans”.

November was also “Thank a Veteran” month and various media were utilized to send positive words of encouragement to the Veterans. When December rolled in it was “Random Act of Kindness Month” and members and community members were asked to pay it forward to others, including Veterans. Some of the projects and acts of kindness included assisting with grocery shopping for handicapped and elderly, visiting the elderly and doing errands for them. Some delivered baked goods to enjoy a coffee break. Sons of the Legion and AMA Juniors also were a part of the military programs at the elementary and middle/high school at the Veteran’s Day flag folding assembly.

December found the two groups and the youth groups collecting treats and cocoa for the elderly Veterans, DAV van drivers, officers of the VFW and American Legion. The deceased Veteran numbers were up from 16 to 26 this year and ornaments were hung on the Christmas tree at the local VFW. Veteran residents at the Hi-Line Retirement Center were honored and remembered when Auxiliaries decorated their doors for both Veteran’s Day and Christmas. Members also gathered items for “Project Special Delivery” to provide to military overseas.

The American Legion Auxiliary started providing a rose to the family of Veterans at funerals. When possible an Auxiliary member attended the funerals of Veterans and took pictures to provide to the families.

With the arrival of the new year the groups are already making plans to assist the American Legion as they observe and host the District meeting in March in Saco. 2019 is the 100th Anniversary of the American Legion and centennial plans are beginning to fall together.

Both groups are open and welcome membership applications.