A Community of Volunteers Serving Veterans, Military, and Their Families We Are the American Legion Auxiliary

www.ALAforVeterans.org

May 2020 $3.75

Wear a Poppy to Honor Those Who Have Worn Our Nation’s Uniform A Community of Volunteers Serving Veterans, Military, and their Families We are the American Legion Auxiliary. We are called to serve. We respect our country and the service of those who defend our freedoms. We are loyal to our United States Constitution and to those who protect it. We are humbled by the courage of our veterans and their families. We are alone, yet we stand together. We are daughters, brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers. We are family. We are of every color. We are of every faith. We are of every age. We are anyone and everyone. We are common and extraordinary. We are citizens. We live in small towns. We live in suburbs. We live in cities. We work in fi elds, in factories, warehouses, offi ces, at home. We are a community. We help one another. We love our fl ag and all that it stands for. We are many. We are one. We are the American Legion Auxiliary. A Community of Volunteers Serving Veterans, Military, and their Families. We commit ourselves to the ideal: Service Not Self. contents FEATURES 30 ALA SALUTES SPOUSES OF U.S. SERVICEMEMBERS We know what it’s like to be apart from one another during critical times and everyday moments. Military spouses’ numerous sacrifices don’t go unnoticed. 36 WORKING TOGETHER AS THE AMERICAN LEGION FAMILY IN WASHINGTON Members converge on nation’s capital to show support for the people we all serve. 46 THE POWER OF A FLOWER Kindness flows from the hands of the American Legion Auxiliary’s poppy makers.

IN EVERY ISSUE 4 NATIONAL PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE 6 BEHIND THE SCENES 7 FROM OUR READERS 8 JUNIOR MEMBERS 10 I AM THE ALA 13 IT’S ALL GOOD 38 IMPACT ALA! 50 BUILDING ALA BRAND LOYALTY 52 ALL THINGS ALA GIRLS STATE 53 ALA SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS: WHERE ARE THEY NOW? 54 A WISE PERSON SAID 55 LEGION FAMILY NEWS 56 MISSION MATTERS 57 SOCIAL MEDIA 58 THE LAST WORD

ON THE COVER: Poppies, to American Legion Auxiliary members, are worn just as proudly as ALA emblem pins. The symbolism behind these bright-red flowers reminds us to keep alive the memories of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice (photo: Aaron Meyer/ALANHQ). ABOVE: U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Sam Last visits his newborn daughter, Charlie. Returning home from deployment, Last was still in uniform because he went directly from the airport to see Charlie at the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of the Kansas hospital where she was born (photo: Angelica Last). www.ALAforVeterans.org May 2020 | Auxiliary magazine 3 FROM THE NATIONAL President

I looked into the eyes of U.S. Navy veteran and Pearl Harbor survivor, 98-year-old Sterling R. Cale, and his courage and patriotism came shining through. He answered the call of duty in the wake of the Dec. 7, 1941, Japanese military’s surprise attack on Pearl Harbor by helping with rescue and recovery efforts. True to President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s well-known proclamation, Dec. 7, 1941, is a date that will forever live in infamy. But what also lives on are the true stories of valor demonstrated by U.S. servicemembers stationed at Pearl Harbor that day. Mr. Cale’s story is one of them. He worked, along with a detail of 10 men, to remove bodies from the burning USS Arizona, according to the National Park Service’s website section about the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. Mr. Cale and his work team removed about 107 identifiable bodies and a number of unknowns, the site COURAGE UP CLOSE also stated. : Visiting with veteran Sterling R. Cale, a Pearl Harbor “In two hours’ time, I think I only survivor, during a signing event for his book, A True American: The Story of a Pearl Harbor Survivor, World War II, Korean and Vietnam War Veteran, which Mr. Cale picked up 46 people,” Mr. Cale said narrated to his son, Sterling V. Cale. in a video interview produced by The American Legion in December 2019 Auxiliary and Legion Family and counting. As the Auxiliary (see the interview at Legion.org). members, already know: U.S. continues Celebrating a Century You sense that he wished he could’ve veterans and servicemembers are of Service during the remainder of done more. We all know what he our heroes. It doesn’t matter how this administrative year, let’s stay did was incredible and heroic. We’re many, if any, medals they have. It focused on being a community thankful for everything he did at doesn’t matter whether they served of volunteers serving veterans, Pearl Harbor and throughout his stateside or abroad, frontlines or military, and their families. entire military career! supply lines — or anywhere in Our Legion Family pays It is believed that Mr. Cale is the between or beyond that. Let’s not special tribute to America’s fallen last living Pearl Harbor survivor forget about the military families servicemembers on Memorial Day. residing in Hawaii. He lives a few who support their loved ones And National Poppy Day® is another miles from where the infamous while they serve in America’s opportunity to honor and remember attacks occurred nearly 80 years ago. armed forces. Those families make America’s fallen servicemembers Mr. Cale is a life member of Legion sacrifices for our nation as well. while also supporting our veterans, Post 17 in Honolulu. Several of his Mr. Cale has the sincere military, and their families. Visit eligible relatives are ALA members. gratitude — from me, the ALA, www.ALAforVeterans.org/poppy to How did my eyes end up meeting and the entire Legion Family — learn how you can be part of it. We his? I met Mr. Cale during my official for his heroism, military service, will keep them in our hearts and visit to Hawaii. I spent time with sacrifices, and patriotism. He is a thoughts year-round. him, listening to his memories of the great reminder of the people the Pearl Harbor attack, and thanking American Legion Auxiliary and him for his service to our nation. the entire Legion Family have been Nicole Clapp This interaction reinforced honoring, helping, advocating for, National President what I, and other American Legion and supporting for the last 100 years

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CSLB 983603 F13000002885 13HV08744300 BEHIND THE scenes NOTES FROM NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS

The crafty sharpened their A Community of Volunteers scissors and skills. To assist those Serving Veterans, Military, and their Families on the intense frontlines, members May 2020 made face masks for healthcare Published by workers. And, to get a jump ahead, American Legion Auxiliary National Headquarters members kept busy by making Executive Director winter hats, scarves, and blankets Kelly Circle for hospitalized veterans for next Communications and Marketing Director year. Junior members across the Michael Butt Communications Manager nation worked on homemade cards Aaron Meyer containing notes of “happy” for Managing Editor REMOTE MEMBER SERVICE: veterans. Stephanie L. Holloway Elizabeth Webmaster Chiavarini, senior database coordinator, Don’t forget the food. In Travis Perkins works from home during the COVID-19 Delaware, one unit made lots Communications Senior Writer mandated closures. of bagged lunches for veterans Landa Bagley Communications Specialist Spring is normally a time of and seniors in their area. A local Sara Fowler universal positivity with its fresh, restaurant allowed them to use their Communications Specialist warm air bringing flowers and a front patio for drive-by pickups. Jennifer Donovan renewed sense of purpose. But this Extra time was devoted to Communications Coordinator Alexa Freeman year, it was different. learning. Members took advantage Contributing Writers The COVID-19 (coronavirus) of the moments in isolation by Brad Oppenheim, Sydney DeLong, Sue Ritchie pandemic became a crisis that fell browsing www.ALAforVeterans.org 2019-2020 National Officers upon the world in the early part of and enrolling in the many enriching National President Nicole Clapp National Vice President Kathy Daudistel 2020. It hit us hard and showed us ALA Academy courses. National Secretary Linda Boone that being joyful, thankful, or selfless Laptops won over desktops. National Treasurer Marybeth Revoir during extreme times was perhaps Working from home became the ADVERTISING unmerited. norm. Department and national James G. Elliott Company Inc. But in the American Legion headquarters locations adapted to NEW YORK (212) 588-9200 DETROIT (248) 530-0300 Auxiliary, members quickly squashed mandated changes by accomplishing CHICAGO (312) 236-4900 that kind of thinking. task lists remotely. ALA member LOS ANGELES (213) 624-0900 The social distancing mandates customer service contained a ADDRESS CHANGE: Email name, previous address, new address from the Centers for Disease Control little “home sweet home” in every and membership ID (9-digit number above and local and federal governments occurrence. Even this issue of your name on magazine label) to: didn’t make us lazy or selfish. We Auxiliary magazine was produced [email protected] Contact Us: ALA National Headquarters isolated ourselves as directed, but by staff working from basements, 3450 Founders Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268 we always kept a keen eye on our kitchen tables, and other makeshift (317) 569-4500 | www.ALAforVeterans.org mission of serving veterans, military, home offices. email: [email protected] and their families: You can learn more about how American Legion Auxiliary Magazine is published quarterly by the American Legion Auxiliary Wellness checks were frequent. members served the mission during with a yearly non-refundable allocation of $3.40 Members called veterans homes to the worldwide pandemic by checking from membership dues. Letters, unsolicited articles and photographs are not guaranteed make sure the senior residents were out the stories posted in ALA to be published or returned and may be edited. doing OK. They also checked on national media and in the August See www.ALAforVeterans.org/Media/Magazine- Submissions for further details. Opinions each other — especially looking after issue of Auxiliary. In trying times expressed in this publication may not necessarily elderly ALA members — making when everything seems to have a represent policy or positions of the organization. Advertisements do not reflect endorsement grocery runs and other necessary to- big question mark over its head, one by the organization. dos for those who weren’t able to pick thing is for certain: ALA members Non-member Subscriptions up and leave so easily. stay the course in our community Send $15 (checks only) to address above, of volunteers of serving veterans, Attention: Accounting Payable to: National Treasurer, ALA military, and their families. The American Legion Family The American Legion ALA ON THE GO (317) 630-1200 www.Legion.org Auxiliary magazine is fully digital and available Sons of The American Legion for download at www.ALAforVeterans.org. (317) 630-1200 www.Legion.org/Sons TOOLS & TIPS IN A CLICK American Legion Riders (317) 630-1200 www.Legion.org/Riders In addition, you’ll find expanded magazine content, valuable unit and department resources, plus downloadable templates, news releases, and other ALA promotional materials available on the ALA website 24/7. FROM OUR readers

poppy pin can be ordered from Fishing Tournament. We take pride American Legion Flag & Emblem in our community outreach and Sales at emblem.legion.org our local support. Outside our or by calling (888) 453-4466. doors, one finds a stone memorial of the brave men and women of the COOL COOKBOOK Armed Forces who have gone before CELEBRATES us. This sense of community and ALA’S CENTENNIAL giving resonates through the many Kudos to American Legion fundraisers and financial support Auxiliary Unit 1879 of Colorado! initiatives the Auxiliary creates. The cookbook they recently This is a guiding principle in our WHERE DO I GET published is fantastic and well organization and our beliefs of who THAT POPPY PIN? beyond words to describe the work we are. I wanted to thank you for the and stories that go along with all We have grown in the nature Reflections page. I am chaplain the recipes. The articles on each war and magnitude of our fundraisers. of our ALA unit and use the will open your heart up, once again, The Auxiliary serves on the Color monthly scriptures and thoughts to ALL who have served this great Guard, alongside members of Post for the meetings each month at the country 1107, at funerals and provides beginning and end of our meetings. and the bereavement meals for family The ideas expressed are timely and sacrifices members. Our members march in well thought out. their the Memorial Day Parade, and this I am able to glean some families year, celebrated the 100th year of the information from every issue. For made. ALA with our post Family. We have example, in the February issue, Many of also prepared and delivered over I learned that we are to identify the great 100 Thanksgiving meals to those ourselves as a unit, not a post. recipes in need. News to me — I’ve always said Post (which We truly feel blessed to have 151. Never too old to learn and be have been well tested) will bring generous and devoted members of corrected. back memories that were forgotten. our Auxiliary and community with A question: On the back outside I love the cookbook and have shared us to face the challenges ahead. As page of the February issue, there it with many, including my unit Teddy Roosevelt once said, “Dare was a poppy pin on members and others. It makes a great things.” We are trying, Mr. a hat. Are these wonderful gift for anyone, younger President. available? They or older. Thanks again to the — Maureen McNamara & Joanne would be a nice members of Unit 1879. Hilliard, New York addition to our — Sue Patterson, Past Department dark blue vests President, Department of Colorado CORRECTION with our ALA In our February feature about logo on them. Let NEW YORK UNIT SERVES male spouses of veterans and me know and we’ll ALA MISSION THROUGH servicemembers joining the ALA, order one for each MANY WAYS there was an error in a statistic member. Thank you for a great The Walter T. Conley American reported. The corrected statistic publication. Legion Post 1107 is in the beautiful is as follows: By 2045, the share — Patricia Makela, Minnesota Finger Lakes and wine region of of female veterans is expected New York State. Our home is in the to double to 18% (source: Pew EDITOR’S NOTE: Thank you for Village of Union Springs, which, Research Foundation article, “The the kind words! The appropriately by the way, has twice hosted the changing face of America’s veteran branded American Legion Family Semi-Annual Bass Pro Masters population” — Nov. 10, 2017).

WE WANT TO Email: [email protected] Story and Photo Submissions: Visit or send letters to: ALA National Headquarters www.ALAforVeterans.org/Magazine HEAR FROM you 3450 Founders Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268 for more details. www.ALAforVeterans.org May 2020 | Auxiliary magazine 7 JUNIOR members JUNIOR MEETINGS FOCUS ON FUN, LEARNING The 2019-2020 national Junior meetings included a variety of activities and positive educational opportunities. “The importance of the national Junior meetings is to train the next generation of leaders for the Auxiliary,” said Kristin Hinshaw, senior program coordinator at American Legion Auxiliary National Headquarters. “We try to get them to have as much involvement in the actual meeting, not just making crafts and doing fun activities.” The girls made bags for veterans who are in wheelchairs so A CLOSER LOOK AT THE MILITARY CHILD they can easily store TABLE CEREMONY their belongings. Although the Military Child Table Children & Youth Chair (or Youth “The artwork was Ceremony falls under the Auxiliary’s #1): The hand spade recognizes just phenomenal,” Children & Youth program, it’s a that they may be transplanted to Hinshaw said. favorite of our Junior members. Use a new location any place in the Other activities this script to help your Juniors learn world at a moment’s notice, where during the day included more about the ceremony. they become fully immersed in folding small American Children & Youth Chair (or the culture, make new friends, flags, making poppy Youth #1): We will begin today with and acclimate themselves to a new chokers and bracelets, a ceremony to honor our military school. and creating thumbprint poppy paintings. children. Youth #3 enters carrying hand Each national Junior meeting Our United States military spade and sets on table. began with installation of the members answer the call to service Children & Youth Chair (or honorary national Junior division vice every day as they defend freedom Youth #1): The birthday hat and president. New for 2019-2020, the around the world. That service often unlit candles… installation ceremony was conducted comes at a great personal sacrifice, Baseball glove and ball… by either National President Nicole Clapp not only for the servicemember, but And ballet slippers represent or National Vice President also for their family, their children. the fact that sometimes special Kathy Daudistel. When an Air Force officer was occasions are missed by one or both asked what he needed in Iraq, he parents while serving their country. said, “Please don’t send cookies, care Youths #4, 5, 6 enter carrying FORMER JUNIORS NOW SERVING packages, or socks. Just help take birthday cake and unlit candles, IN U.S. MARINE CORPS care of our children.” Our country baseball glove and ball, and ballet MacKayla McDaniels has always supported its military in slippers and set on table. MacKayla McDaniels times of war through community Children & Youth Chair (or has been about Service Not efforts. We have a great capacity to Youth #1): The family photo Self since she joined the care for the home front. Now is the depicting a child or children with Auxiliary in 2008. time for a new victory garden. In their uniformed parent represents Eligible through her late grandfather, this garden, we can tend to the needs the foundation of our country’s Paul B. (Mac) McDaniels who served in of the military child. strength… World War II, she belongs to the Arthur Today we would like to present Youth #7 enters carrying family H. Cunningham Unit 440 in Hornell, to you the Military Child’s Table photo and sets on table. N.Y. Setting, inspired by the POW/MIA Children & Youth Chair (or “My membership was originally a ceremony to honor the sacrifices Youth #1): Families united in their way to honor and serve our veterans, but and contributions of our military commitment to national service and as I started participating in the Junior children. willing to make any sacrifice, both at program at the unit, county, district, and The potted flowering plant home and abroad … to ensure that department levels, I learned that I had symbolizes that they may flower and our flag continues to fly free. a new family that included American flourish where planted. Youth #8 enters carrying U.S. flag Legion and Sons members,” she said. Youth #2 enters carrying potted and sets on table. As a Junior, McDaniels held many flowering plant and sets on table. All: Amen. leadership roles from the unit to the

8 Auxiliary magazine | May 2020 www.ALAforVeterans.org Juniors also played the ALA HANDMADE BOOKMARKS her project will go to the Department Branding Game and discussed several LEAD TO FUNDRAISER of Arizona President Patricia Lugo’s topics from membership to leadership OPPORTUNITIES special project, the first responders from the aspect of bullying and more. American Legion program, sponsored by the 100 Club The day ended with the Military Child Auxiliary Junior of Arizona. The club is a nonprofit Table Ceremony. member Emily Quigg focused on supporting the men and Guest speakers at each meeting has been drawing for women who stand behind the badge. educated attendees about adaptive about seven years. Quigg’s bookmark efforts have sports, tying into Clapp’s focus on the 2020 marks the fourth year she reached the highest office in the health and well-being of our veterans, has designed bookmarks to land. She sent a letter and a military, and their families. distribute as a fundraiser. bookmark to President Donald Educating our youngest members “I wanted to do something Trump and received a letter about the organization is key to for my Legion and for the and bookmark from him, their continued success and future department president’s special featuring Air Force One and leadership. project,” she explained. Marine One. After brainstorming Quigg offers guidance for fundraising ideas, Quigg liked other ALA Junior members the idea of bookmarks the who may want to pursue a most and got to work. Her fundraiser of some kind. previous bookmark designs “Do something you like to have included the poppy, a do and something you think female veterans project focus, other people would like,” she and Pearl Harbor with the said. USS Arizona. Quigg, 14, is eligible for Quigg passes out the membership through her bookmarks and asks for a grandpa, Glenn Quigg. She “I hope they learned something donation in return, with a has been a member of the that sparks an interest, they want to suggested amount of $1. Each Auxiliary for seven years and learn more, and they want to keep year, she has raised over $100 is a Junior member of Unit 62 doing this,” Hinshaw said. with her various bookmarks. in the Department of Arizona. Registration for the 2020-2021 This year’s bookmark theme is If you’re interested in national Junior meetings will the ALA’s 100th birthday celebration. receiving a bookmark or want open this summer. Visit www. Quigg has made more than 50 to contribute to Quigg’s cause, ALAforVeterans.org for more birthday bookmarks so far, and contact her grandmother, Karon, at information or to register. counting. The money raised from [email protected]. district to the department level. “Then talk to the veterans at your said of her inspiration. He served from “Being a Junior ALA member [American Legion] post. Find out 1980-1984. allowed me the opportunity to meet about their experiences.” Townes’s dad is also the reason she and talk with our veterans,” she said. She also added, for those who is eligible for ALA membership as a “It allowed me to get out of my town choose the military, consider being a member of Unit 287 in Michigan. Her and meet other young people like me dual member of the Auxiliary and the parents signed her up for the Auxiliary who wanted to honor and serve our Legion. at birth. veterans and promote patriotism.” “The American Legion Family is “My ALA membership means a lot McDaniels knew she wanted to join about fighting for veterans’ rights, to me because it means I get to help the military since she was 14 years old. and you can count twice in that fight,” veterans and their families,” she said. In 2018 at 17 years old, she signed up McDaniels said. Townes said her time as a Junior for the U.S. Marine Corps. member helped equip her with skills she “I knew my love for my country Sabrina Townes would need in the Marines. and a desire to serve was my path,” she Fellow Marine “My experience was wonderful,” she said about her inspiration to join the and former Junior said. “The ALA helped me prepare in Marines. member Sabrina leadership and with my confidence.” For ALA Juniors who may be Townes joined the For Juniors interested in the military, interested in joining the military, military her freshman year of high Townes’s advice is simple — go for it. McDaniels has recommendations. school. “You will meet so many new people “Talk to the recruiters of every “My dad was a Marine, and I and make so many amazing friends!” military branch near you,” she said. wanted to follow in his footsteps,” she she said.

www.ALAforVeterans.org May 2020 | Auxiliary magazine 9 I AM THE ALA “If one way for me to honor and help veterans is to pay some dues, absolutely I’ll do it. I’ll write my checks for them.” MIKE MONSERUD With fire and there for them and help them out.” our government as far as their lives conviction in his None of that really resonated with were concerned. We may not know voice, American me until after he was gone. Then, I them, but we owe them. If one way Legion Auxiliary realized I have to be his voice. for me to honor and help veterans is member Mike to pay some dues, absolutely I’ll do Monserud speaks Why is membership in the it. I’ll write my checks for them. about the ALA, ALA, Legion, or Sons important? the entire Legion It’s important, for anyone who’s In addition to your Legion Family, and eligible, to honor a veteran by Family outreach, what other their co-mingled joining the Legion Family to carry ways do you serve your local missions of service to our nation’s on that legacy of service to others. community? veterans, military, and their families. It’s that way with each part of the I am a volunteer firefighter/ His fervor-filled tone grabs hold Legion Family, and it doesn’t matter EMT and a firefighting instructor of you. Monserud’s message about which part you belong to. All of us in Gilbert, Iowa. I know — I seem The American Legion Family of have banded together for the same serious and intense. But I have a fun organizations — what we do and reason: to help veterans. side. I never found anyone I couldn’t our importance — effectively lingers laugh and joke with. long after he has finished speaking. What is the most effective He purposefully uses his voice approach to membership and delivery to staunchly advocate recruitment? AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY UNIT: for veterans, servicemembers, and Let’s recruit for the Legion Unit 37, Ames, Iowa military families — and to inspire Family. How can someone say “I ELIGIBILITY THROUGH: and educate as a topic-specific only recruit for the Sons” or “I only His wife Jennifer (U.S. Navy veteran) speaker on Legion Family matters. recruit for the Legion” or “I only Monserud, 41, is a male spouse recruit for the Auxiliary”? Also, let’s AMERICAN LEGION POST: ALA member of Auxiliary Unit 37 get back to making it more personal Unit 37, Ames, Iowa in Ames, Iowa. He said he joined instead of more corporate. We need ELIGIBILITY THROUGH: His military service the Auxiliary to honor the military to lead with “What can we do for (U.S. Navy) service of his wife, U.S. Navy veteran you?” and not “Please fill out this and Legionnaire Jennifer Monserud. application.” And, let’s continue SONS OF THE AMERICAN LEGION: Himself a Navy veteran as well, doing what we were meant to do: Unit 37, Ames, Iowa Monserud is also a Legionnaire of helping veterans. People will see ELIGIBILITY THROUGH: His grandfather, Howard Post 37 in Ames, a member of Sons who we are when we show them Schlitter of The American Legion Squadron who we are, and maybe they’ll want (U.S. Army veteran, World 37, and a Legion Rider of Post 37. to be part of what we do. War II)

What sparked the fire you have How do you explain the reason LEGION FAMILY ACTIVITY: • Detachment Commander, Iowa for the Legion Family? we have membership dues within Sons of The American Legion I remember going down to the the Legion Family? (2019-2020) Legion post with my grandfather Your dues money goes to • Legion Rider, Post 37 in Ames, [World War II U.S. Army veteran assisting veterans in getting the Iowa Howard Schlitter], and hearing him help they need. With their military • National Vice Chairman, say things like, “You’ve got to take service, veterans [metaphorically] Legislative Affairs, Sons of The care of the veterans. You’ve got to be gave blank checks to be cashed by American Legion (2019-2021)

SHARE YOUR MEMBERSHIP STORY! Tell us about yourself and how you support the American Legion Auxiliary as a unit member who also loves the ALA’s mission of serving veterans, the military, and their families. Contact us at [email protected] or (317) 569-4500.

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It’s not as difﬁ cult as you think! donation, collectively, every gift adds up to help ensure the Auxiliary Lots of rumors circulate around is here for the generations to come. planned giving, when, in reality, leaving a legacy gift can be easy. MYTH: I must have a will in order Check out the truth behind these to donate. misnomers that might be holding There are various ways you back from making a planned FACT: to donate without a will, including gift to the American Legion your retirement plan or life Auxiliary or the ALA Foundation: insurance policy. MYTH: It’s only for the wealthy. MYTH: It costs way too much FACT: You don’t need to be money to make a will. wealthy to have a will or indicate The average cost for a a charitable bequest. No matter FACT: basic will is $375 and ensures your the size of any individual assets are distributed according to your wishes.

12 Auxiliary magazine | May 2020 www.ALAforVeterans.org IT’S ALL good GOOD NEWS. GOOD WORKS. GOOD TO SERVE.

“The sun shines not on us but in us.” — John Muir, Author

(Photo: U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. David Owsiank)

The month of May is no doubt a very special time for American Legion Auxiliary members. With Military Spouse Appreciation Day, Armed Forces Day, National Poppy Day® and of course, Memorial Day, all happening this month, you could say we’re pretty busy honoring our veterans, military, and their families more so than usual. But the momentum doesn’t end May 31. Each day is a reminder to be thankful for life, love, and happiness — all while keeping alive the memories of those who gave us our freedoms, and those who continue to serve today.

Above: U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Luis Cruz gets a hug from his wife, Madison, at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, after returning home from a deployment to Qatar in 2019.

www.ALAforVeterans.org May 2020 | Auxiliary magazine 13 IT’S ALL good GOOD IDEAS FROM ALA MEMBERS

Why is a nationally recognized Poppy Day important to The American Legion Family?

“The poppy is a symbol of remembrance, hope, honor, WHAT’S and sacrifice. We see a poppy and remember those who served. We remember all who sacrificed for our freedom, and their loved ones. We honor all of our veterans with YOUR every little red poppy we display and pass out.” — Lisa Garrett, Indiana STORY? “Every American Legion post Family can now work together to recognize National Poppy Day® in their communities and honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.” — Jane Bennett, Texas

“A national recognition day helps us educate others; however, as a lifelong member of the Legion Family, every day is ‘poppy day’ to me.” — Bonnie Burley Crews, Virginia

We’re looking for stories “The poppy brings us back to Flanders Field, and the reason to share in the 2020 issues there is an American Legion in the first place. The Legion of Auxiliary magazine: and the Auxiliary were founded to bring veterans together and uphold the new patriotism. A poppy attached to a purse HOW YOUR ALA or lapel has come to signify a solemn remembrance of that.” MEMBERSHIP — Carole Jones, New York HELPED PROFESSION “A nationally recognized Poppy Day is important to The OR CAREER: American Legion Family because it is a day of remembrance • Have you learned of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. It is important to leadership, confidence the families, our communities, and future generations that in public speaking, or we keep the memories alive of those who gave all.” other skills as a result of — Kim Hobkirk Vincent, Oklahoma membership in the ALA? “It’s important to recognize our veterans who have fought AUXILIARY for our country, and to honor those who fought and died EMERGENCY FUND: while fighting for our freedom.” • Have you benefited from — Sharon Broghammer, South Dakota AEF after being faced with a personal crisis? MAKING MEMBERSHIP “It is an honor to keep the legacy of our veterans alive through a simple poppy. We often underestimate the MEANINGFUL: power of a flower. ” • How do you and your — Joanne Valletta, New York unit make membership meaningful? What tips do you have for other units? Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @ALAforVeterans. Email us at: You could be featured in an upcoming issue of Auxiliary. ALAMagazine @ALAforVeterans.org 14 Auxiliary magazine | May 2020 www.ALAforVeterans.org Dental Insurance Call for dental coverage today to help save money on big dental bills.

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Need some advice on how to approach conflict within the American Legion Auxiliary? Send your questions to [email protected] with the subject line “Goodwill Gail.” We’ll create a pen name CALL NOW! for you so that you remain anonymous. Talk soon! Want to see more advice from Goodwill Gail? Visit the ALA blog (ALAforVeterans.wordpress.com) to see the latest Goodwill Gail column plus ALA news, expanded interviews, DIY tips, and more! 1 800 635 1907

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© 2020 Inogen, Inc. All rights reserved. MKT-P0059 IT’S ALL good The following day, Quinlan GOOD WORKS BY ALA MEMBERS was notified that Unit 82 would be awarded the full $5,000. Although Belk didn’t quite reach its goal of $50,000 in sales, the manager decided to give the unit the maximum amount anyway. Unit 82 contributed half of the $5,000 to North Carolina Department President Julie Smith’s 2019-2020 special project. Smith is raising $20,000 to divide equally among four North Carolina veterans hospitals to assist their BUILDING A STRONG PARTNERSHIP: North Carolina Unit 82 receives PTSD treatment units. Smith’s its $5,000 check from Belk’s manager. funds will be used for several different PTSD therapy options. COLLABORATING WITH THEIR COMMUNITY After a careful decision, Unit Partnering with local businesses adjust and embrace the flood of 82 members decided to use their is a great way to spread awareness baseball fans visiting from all over half of the money for something of the American Legion Auxiliary’s the country. Belk saw this as an long lasting and special to the mission. A North Carolina unit had opportunity to schedule “Project community. They will donate the chance to participate in a special Hometown” during the Legion shadow boxes to nursing care event to raise money for the veterans World Series busy weekend, facilities where veterans are long- in their community. Shelby, N.C. focusing the event toward out-of- term patients. There are six nursing Unit 82 partnered with Belk Inc. state visitors and baseball fans. homes in their county, and about 10 and raised $5,000 in a single day to “For our part, they wanted us to veterans are year-round residents benefit veterans. publicize this the best we could. So at each. They plan to decorate the Belk management was familiar shadow boxes with patriotic colors with Unit 82 members through “This is the largest amount and display photos of the veterans their past participation in the of money raised residing in each facility. store’s semi-annual charity sales. in a single event...” “This is the largest amount of Knowing the good work these ALA money raised in a single event members do, Belk contacted Unit our unit members got busy creating by the local Shelby Unit 82,” said 82 President Linda Quinlan to see and distributing flyers, making Quinlan. “We were thrilled to be if their unit wanted to partner with phone calls, and encouraging selected as a Project Hometown the retail giant on a special event friends and neighbors to shop the recipient by Belk for doing what called “Project Hometown,” a one- big event slated for mid-August,” we love to do best — honoring and day event where Belk invites a local said Quinlan. serving veterans!” nonprofit or charity to their store In preparation for the big day, to help sell their merchandise. They a small group of Unit 82 members promise the nonprofit 10% of sales, met several times throughout July MARKETING THE ALA up to $5,000. and August. The unit placed an ad Marketing and advertising “The company has long- in the Legion World Series souvenir are key factors for growing the supported nonprofits and charitable scorebook sold during the baseball American Legion Auxiliary’s endeavors benefiting communities,” weekend, and they handed out flyers membership and gaining volunteers. said Quinlan. “Management at their small concession booth in Knowing they needed to expand the has a high degree of respect and the stadium. ALA’s visibility in their community, appreciation for the Shelby unit’s The day of the event, there was Virginia Unit 74 purchased a bus dedicated commitment to helping a rainout at the World Series. With advertisement that ran for over a veterans in the community.” time on their hands, out-of-state month in the Charlottesville area. The city of Shelby annually hosts fans and athletes shopped at Belk “Our unit decided that a lot of The American Legion Baseball to support Unit 82’s project. Belk people don’t even know we exist. World Series. And each year, the brought in a DJ and offered lots of They don’t know what the Legion event brings thousands of new snacks and drinks for shoppers to is or what the Auxiliary is, and we visitors to Shelby. Local businesses enjoy. were looking for something that would make people say, ‘Hey — how Good works to share? Visit www.ALAforVeterans.org for details. can we get on board?’” said Unit 74

18 Auxiliary magazine | May 2020 www.ALAforVeterans.org ALA MEMBERS HELPING help the Wyoming National Guard “He wanted to convey to the YOUTH OVERSEAS create change overseas. people there that “Americans are The ALA’s mission has always “As a unit, we voted to help good guys” and that we care about been to enhance the lives of veterans, gather school supplies and get them them and their children,” said the military, and their families, sent. The information was shared Zaffarano. but the impact we make doesn’t at the mid-winter conference and The children not only need basic just stop there. Units throughout it grew from our unit helping, to school supplies such as pens, pencils, Wyoming went the extra mile when school supplies being gathered paper, colored pencils, etc., but they a Wyoming National Guardsman from units throughout the state of also request educational toys like deployed in Kosovo wanted to make Wyoming,” said Trudy Zaffarano, wooden shapes, puzzles, games, and a difference for the children of the family assistance specialist for the even very basic sports equipment poverty-stricken country. Wyoming National Guard and ALA like soccer balls and frisbees. Capt. Eli Varney and 56 other Unit 26 member. “Watching these kids find Wyoming soldiers were stationed A lot of the in Kosovo to provide support to schools in Kosovo are local communities and monitor the one-room buildings border between Kosovo and Serbia, with no heat or air but they helped the country far conditioning and beyond that. are located in the “After being here for about two middle of nowhere. months, we started to see that one Varney and his of the best ways we could make National Guard unit a positive difference here was by initiated an “adopt- working with the youth of Kosovo,” a-school” program to said Varney. ensure that students In a Memorandum for Record, of Kosovo receive Varney wrote that his National and use the school Guard unit is working with supplies. HIGH-FIVES FOR OUR HEROES: Wyoming National Guard schools in Kosovo that have very Wyoming members donate supplies to children in Kosovo. limited support, and they are National Guard’s attempting to help them with basic adopt-a-school program touches common ground and being willing educational needs. He sent the two very important ALA mission to work together has been the most Record to communities throughout outreach committees: Children & impactful,” said Varney. “Over here, Wyoming asking for school supplies, Youth and Education. At Wyoming’s we work with the Turks, the Danish, sports equipment, and children’s mid-winter conference, four districts Italians, Slovenians, Greeks – so it’s educational toys. helped create a better education for more than just Americans helping Members from ALA Unit 26 in the children in Kosovo by bringing out. It’s a multinational event Powell, Wyo., saw Varney’s story in supplies or postage money for working together to make Kosovo a their local newspaper and wanted to Varney’s project. better place.” member Ruthann Brown. wanted the banner to look like. Her all over Charlottesville. They paid less After looking at different next task was to get approval from than $1,100 for the two bus ads to run options, Unit 74 members decided the Department of Virginia to use for one month. a bus advertisement was their most the ALA’s centennial logo and the “We just wanted people to be beneficial and cost-effective way “In Memoriam” poppy. After being informed of what the Auxiliary is, to promote the Auxiliary. Dual approved, Hartman presented pricing and that we are here. And we aren’t member and Unit 74 President for the different placements on the just cooking dinners for the post, but Nanette Hartman reached out to the bus, and the cost of the banner size that we are trying to reach out to the Charlottesville Area Transit (CAT) to to match the placements, at a unit community,” said Hartman. “We just get more information about placing meeting. wanted to get the word out there, so an ad on one of their buses. A CAT The unit chose to run two ads people knew our unit is here to help.” sales representative sent Hartman a on two different buses: one on the A bus advertisement is something media kit that included pricing and driver’s side which would travel any ALA unit can do if they have a bus printer information. the business route, and one on the transit system in their city. Hartman Hartman’s first step was passenger side which would travel the and Brown said it was a beneficial contacting the printer and sending residential areas. The buses rotate on and easy project to complete, and the them a rough idea of what they a regular basis, so each bus was seen planning didn’t take too long. www.ALAforVeterans.org May 2020 | Auxiliary magazine 19 IT’S ALL good in the knees, on the shoulders, in GOOD TO KNOW the head, on the fingers, the back, the What Kind of feet, etc. At long last, the third category is survival. This is where one had a Hearing Aids partner in life. Now the one left behind is still an individual but one without the relationship, with no partner, no Do Doctors Use? helpmate. What are you going to do? The same ones they At some point, most folks reach this surviving, albeit some later than others. recommend to their patients! It has been a torment of emotions, but Advanced Digital it is over. Kind of. At the surviving position is a point gained, which is Hearing Aid Technology good. You can breathe now. You can relax and begin to renew. You can get Reg: $599.98 HOW THE GRIEVING CAN ‘NOURISH THE WOUNDED SPIRIT’ comfortable for the first time since it all BUY 1 FREE $ 99 Guest column written by author and Over the previous years, I had began for you. GET 1 Only 299 ALA member Sue Ritchie continued researching the subject, But there is a fourth category, and “I want to buy 1,000 copies of speaking with other grief counselors it is called thriving. It is a place where Now Rechargeable! Each When You Buy a Pair – LIMITED TIME ONLY! your book when you get it reprinted,” and attending conferences, etc. I you know you can do this! You can be ® said the man I was having lunch had learned much new information all you promised yourself you would Doctors love MDHearingAids for the same reasons patients do. These Nearly invisible! with in fall 2004. I was astonished regarding varied issues of this do if given a chance. Do it now! Grow! FDA-registered, medical-grade hearing aids have the same high-tech with his words. Any writer would experience, such as, the average age Be wise! Be passionate about your own features found in more expensive hearing aids at a fraction of the cost. be surprised with such an offer laid that a woman is widowed is 53 years. gifts, whatever they may be. You may down in front of them. One night, 20 some years earlier, be very surprised at what you can do, “MDHearingAids are better than expensive clinic hearing aids, I had published a book, I had sat on the foot of our/my produce, manufacture, or create. It can which cost thousands more,” says retired physician Dr. Robert A. Transformational Bereavement, bed and had screamed at the walls, be a wonderful experience. “I have had fi ve pairs of expensive hearing aids and MDHearingAids and the printing had been scheduled “I’m too young to be widowed! I’m I hope you will remember this: 1) are just as good,” adds retired neurosurgeon Dr. Brian L. for what turned out to be an only 53 years old! This is not fair! 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So, go for CHANGE product is just as effective (if not more) COMPARED TO sadness, pain, nightmares, and it had so too was my husband of 22 years. it for you. You are valued, and you are than traditional overly-priced hearing TRADITIONAL A BATTERY HEARING AIDS been difficult enough to get out of It may be time to nourish more important than you imagine. AGAIN aids. I will be recommending them that emotional space. I did not want your own spirit and nurture a Published author Sue Ritchie has to my hearing-impaired patients.” to return there. transformation of the bereavement of produced over 100 articles for local I did not consider reprinting yours, no matter how much time has and national publications. After CRISP, CLEAR SOUND STATE-OF-THE-ART FEATURES NO AUDIOLOGIST NEEDED Transformational Bereavement until expired. her husband’s unexpected passing, MDHearingAids were created by Behind-the-ear hearing aid with Save time and money, cancel fall 2017. Now at this juncture, in First category is grief. It is the Ritchie published her first book, a board-certifi ed otolaryngologist thin tubing for a nearly invisible those audiologist appointments! the late spring, I was ready to go to learning of pitying news. It is where a Transformational Bereavement, which frustrated that patients couldn’t profi le. 3 programs for customized Advanced hearing aid techno- the printer with a new, revised, and person feels nothing. It’s as though all was popular on the national market. afford the high price of hearing aids. listening environments. Amplifi es logy lets you easily program more complete manuscript than the feeling is absent on any levels of this The Writer’s Digest Creative Writing So, he did the only logical thing…he the critical frequencies of the and adjust your MDHearingAid Contest Winner has also written a story original, and I telephoned the human existence. created a low-cost, feature-packed human voice, without amplifying at home. Set-up is fast and easy, much-noted physician’s home to tell Second category is mourning. for the Matlock television series. Ritchie digital hearing aid that costs 90% background sounds, so you can too, going from box to ear in just him of my new plans. Alas, he had This is where the “feeling” returns is a proud ALA member of Unit 73 in less than a comparable hearing aid. enjoy crisp, clear conversations. fi ve minutes. recently passed. with a vengeance. There can be pain Arizona. Try MDHearingAids risk-free with a 100% money-back guarantee for “With her gentle storytelling and wise insights, Sue Ritchie gently explains in Transformational Bereavement why our 45 days. Just call toll-free or visit the website shown below. Call traditions surrounding death don’t always help and what a griever can do about it. Her practical tips and ideas are hard Try it RISK FREE now and get free shipping. Remember, it’s RECHARGEABLE! won and can only cause comfort. 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Visit www.MDVolt.com Free Shipping with Offer Code JX96 The Doctor’s Choice for Affordable Hearing Aids IT’S ALL good Harris said having a smoke-free GOOD POSTS, GOOD UNITS environment makes it easier to host events for kids. “It is easier to bring families in, and we try to be a very family-friendly post home.” In Harris’s personal opinion, being nonsmoking has helped membership numbers. Vero Beach, Fla., American Legion Post 39 knew they needed to do something to keep both smokers and non-smokers happy. So, the post decided to create a patio where smokers could feel comfortable and still be part of the post. Post 39 did not want to go nonsmoking until finding a way to SHOULD YOUR POST HOME GO NONSMOKING? keep smoking members comfortable With concerns about the effects of accepted the fact that smoking was and included. But it was not an easy secondhand smoke, many states have not allowed in the post,” said Jimmy feat. Because of legal parameters of the enacted laws requiring public places Pitts, Post 11 commander. “We even liquor license, they had to make sure to be smoke-free. However, in some gained some new members who the design was compliant. They wanted states, American Legion posts and hated cigarette smoke.” to make sure smokers could enjoy other private clubs are exempt. The transition has been positive drinks on the porch, which is why In some communities, Legion for Post 11. “The reaction now is they decided on a design that is fully posts are perceived by the public that everyone loves that the post is enclosed. as a smoky bar. This perception smoke-free,” said Pitts. “No one is The porch has been a big hit with can overshadow the impact on our taking the smell of smoke to their smokers and nonsmokers. “Smokers collective missions and prevent new homes. The atmosphere is great, and seem to enjoy the patio so much that members from joining. people are not hesitating to come many of them spend the duration of In an effort to change this into our post.” their visit outside to socialize,” said perception and not turn away new Pitts recommends having Jennifer Trefelner, Unit 39 president. members because of a smoke-filled designated smoking areas in place environment, many posts have before initiating the nonsmoking considered going smoke-free, despite policy. His post built a “smoke the exemption. shack” — a shed away from the Those opposed fear prohibiting building — with a heater. smoking will decrease bar traffic and Green River, Wyo., American membership. The argument is that Legion Post 28 decided to have a if the change is made, smokers will smoke-free facility when it opened have no place else to go to smoke and in 2014. Their goal was to make drink, resulting in members leaving. the post family-friendly and attract On the other side of the younger members who may not argument, those for nonsmoking want to join a post where smoking posts say it will attract more was allowed. “Some nonsmokers would even go out members and make the post family- Post 28 has always had a to the patio to spend a little time with friendly. nonsmoking policy, so they did their friends who smoke. There were Many posts took the leap not have to deal with some of the a few members who did not desire the and went smoke-free or made opposition other posts have to change, but they still come to visit on accommodations for smokers. deal with. In fact, all members occasion.” Lafayette, Ind., American Legion seem pleased with the policy. Trefelner said they have seen an Post 11 enacted a nonsmoking policy “Our members, even our smoking increase in membership. They’ve had about 10 years ago. At first, a few members, are happy about the almost 200 members join since making members got upset and transferred smoke-free status,” said Tammy the change Dec. 31, 2018. to another post. But members Harris, American Legion Auxiliary If your post home is considering eventually became used to the Unit 28 secretary. “Our smoking going smoke free, common advice from change. “After the first few months members go outside to smoke others is to make a plan for the smokers of nonsmoking, most everyone without complaint.” as you make the transition.

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01_32839_001_BIB.indd 1 1/9/20 9:23 AM IT’S ALL good units do, and they adapt when GOOD MEMBERSHIP necessary.” eUnits can be very flexible when it comes to ALA program activities and projects. Another benefit of these unique units is that mission-oriented projects can be fulfilled individually or as a group. Although eUnit members may be separated geographically, there are many different ways to complete a project as a unit. “For example, fundraising through a physical spaghetti dinner wouldn’t be possible, but a non-event fundraiser would be,” said Thompson. “Use the AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY eUNITS GIVE YOU Internet to help find great ideas like OPTIONS TO STAY INVOLVED IN MISSION tea parties, galas, and more. Send The American Legion Auxiliary the concept was adopted in other invitations to members and friends has been influencing the lives states to accommodate this solution asking for a donation not to attend of veterans, military, and their for distance vs. interest.” the event and save on costs like a new families for more than a century, outfit, babysitting, and travel expenses. while adapting to new leadership, How do eUnit members meet? Search for ‘non-event fundraiser.’” changes to bylaws, and new surges Meetings are conducted in eUnits An eUnit project can be as creative of communication. The ALA has much like they are in traditional as the unit would like, offering a positively adjusted to these new ways Auxiliary unit settings. The only wide range of options. Bea Brunner, of interacting by creating electronic difference is the location. eUnits use also a member of California eUnit units, otherwise known across the 472, suggests donating books to a organization as eUnits. THE AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY designated disadvantaged school These unique units allow members CURRENTLY HAS 11 eUNITS: as a unit, or individually distribute to support the ALA’s mission while • Little Rock, Ark. poppies and send the collected also managing their own daily lives. • East Palo Alto, Calif. contributions to the unit’s treasurer. eUnits ease the burden of wanting • Tallahassee, Fla. The possibilities are endless. to make a difference, but not being • Keystone Heights, Fla. able to. If ALA members can’t attend • Honolulu, Hawaii The membership side of eUnits physical meetings due to health • Indianapolis, Ind. Very similar to their physical ALA reasons or transportation issues, or • Rose Hill, Kan. unit counterparts, eUnits abide by if they have small children, joining • St. Louis, Mo. the same rules and regulations, and an eUnit is beneficial because these • Harrisburg, Pa. they have officers, program chairs, members don’t have to leave their • Clarksville, Va. financial responsibilities, end-of-year home, and can still have input on • Cassville, Wisc. reporting, and supplementals, etc. planning mission activities. eUnit members learn the skills and technology to conduct meetings interests of their members and allow eUnit origins online. Members communicate them to utilize those specific skillsets eUnits first launched when through FaceTime, Zoom, Google to enhance the eUnit and achieve the volunteers from California ALA Hangouts, email, conference calls, ALA mission. For example, a member Girls State became interested in the chat rooms, or other e-meeting who is good with numbers can handle work of other ALA programs. Some software. Their meetings are held the donation money. If a member likes to of these volunteers weren’t Auxiliary same as physical units’ meetings, with plan events, that person can organize members yet, and they wanted to an orderly agenda format. the next mission-oriented project. join a unit as a group. eUnit members can reside in any Everyone has something to bring to “Joining one physical unit as a city, state, or country as long as they the table. group wasn’t possible, given that meet the Auxiliary’s membership “It is kind of enticing to join an all- each woman lived in a different eligibility requirements and follow the electronic unit and be in one of just the locale,” said Lou Thompson, a rules and regulations. few that exist,” said Brunner. charter member of California’s Get the technicals — for more George Tadlock eUnit 472. “The What do eUnits do? information about eUnits, and how to eUnit concept was developed to meet According to Thompson, “eUnits start one, visit www.ALAforVeterans. the needs of this group. Over time, accomplish the same goal as physical org/start-a-new-unit.

24 Auxiliary magazine | May 2020 www.ALAforVeterans.org IT’S ALL WHAT IS MARKETING AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT good GOOD MARKETING TO THE AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY? Marketing is everywhere and of this issue of Auxiliary, and you for inquiries on how to volunteer, you may not even realize it. Some of can watch a video version at www. join, or donate. the obvious places are in television ALAforVeterans.org. We encourage • Create a window display in an ads and billboards. Marketing also you to share the declaration video at empty storefront. Do you have a includes social media, a display in a local events, meetings, and on social town square with a vacant store? Or library, and public events. media. Consider printing the ALA an empty store in your local mall? Ask Businesses use marketing to declaration and posting it on the wall the business owner to create a window sell a product. It’s also important at your American Legion post home, display in those stores until a business to nonprofit organizations, like and include it in your newsletters. moves in. the American Legion Auxiliary, in advancing their missions. Some of the same tactics a business uses to convince a consumer to buy a product can be used to motivate someone to volunteer, join, or donate to our organization. As the ALA enters a new century of service, marketing is an important component of the organization’s future. Like other storied membership organizations, we are adopting marketing strategies Raising awareness about • Create a display at your to attract new members, volunteers, the ALA in your community local library or historical society. and donors. Marketing is not limited to the Examples of what to include in the ALA National Headquarters has national level. Units and departments display are the history of the ALA, our assembled a core marketing team to can also use marketing to increase mission, or Veterans Day. Be creative! review current strategies and long- their number of volunteers, • Organize a public poppy range goals to enhance marketing membership, and donations. There making event. Set up a booth at a efforts both internally and externally. are several creative marketing ideas local festival or other local event. One of the first directives for this that are easy to implement. Poppy making can attract attention team was creating a new descriptor One of the easiest ways to start to the booth. When someone (tagline) to reflect recent changes is through social media. Use this approaches the booth, talk about the in Auxiliary membership and to tool to spread the news about your poppy and the ALA mission. Make better describe the ALA. You may upcoming events, information, and sure to have membership information have noticed the new tagline — A share mission-related photos, etc. And available. Community of Volunteers Serving the best part, it’s free! When using While increasing a focus on Veterans, Military, and their Families social media for marketing, it’s also marketing, it’s still important to — throughout February’s Auxiliary important to be mindful of branding reach out to local media. If your unit magazine and in other ALA media. (you can find tips on page 50 in this or department is doing something To build upon the new tagline, an issue of Auxiliary). unique or mission-related in your ALA “declaration” was created. Think Another free or inexpensive way community, send a press release of the declaration as a story that to use marketing is to look for unique and invite media to attend. May is captivates audiences. Its purpose is and unconventional ways to advertise. a great month to use the poppy for to connect people emotionally to our Here are a few examples that can draw marketing. Take poppies to local brand. It demonstrates that someone a lot of attention: television stations and ask them to can be part of the mission and help • Partner with local businesses wear the flowers on air. This gives the make a difference in the lives of to place a sign in their storefront. on-air personalities an opportunity others. It is written to be familiar, The sign could promote an upcoming to talk about why they are wearing inclusive, emotional, stimulating, event or be as simple as using the poppies and create awareness about and engaging. The new declaration ALA’s new tagline. Include a phone the mission of The American Legion is printed inside the front cover number, email, and website address Family.

In the August issue of Auxiliary magazine, we’ll talk about how to use websites and email to strengthen your marketing efforts. Don’t miss it!

www.ALAforVeterans.org May 2020 | Auxiliary magazine 25 IT’S ALL good posts she finds helpful. GOOD READING, GOOD FUN Breaking down our mission by categories such as poppy, Auxiliary Emergency Fund, and leadership makes it easy to navigate and find specific topics. “I would recommend to everyone go in and read it,” she said. “It tells who we are.” The blog has also caught the eye of nonmember Jennie Fitzkee, a preschool teacher who educates children about patriotism in many different ways. She’s kept up with the blog since 2016. IDEAS, INSPIRATION, AND MORE “It gives a broad picture of what you ON THE ALA NATIONAL BLOG do and includes inside, as well as outside, American Legion Auxiliary thousands of views each month. stories,” she said. National Headquarters has utilized its Patricia Anne Delgado, ALA Fitzkee has found several posts useful blog since 2016 to share content that member from the Department of over the years. One that especially piqued both complements and differs from Florida, is a regular reader. her interest was a post on the history of other ALA media — and members “It gives helpful information at the ALA awards and programs, titled, How and nonmembers have taken notice. unit level,” she said. “I love it! I try to Our Programs Have Changed, Adapted By definition, a blog is a regularly share as much as I can.” over Our 100-Year History. updated website or webpage, typically Sharing ideas is a main goal of “I didn’t realize ALA Girls State run by an individual or small group, the blog, with the intent to spread began as a program to counteract that is written in an informal or information at all levels of the similar programs with the youth in Nazi conversational style. American Legion Auxiliary. Germany,” Fitzkee said. The national ALA blog covers a “I truly believe if more members With a strong heart for patriotism, range of topics from do-it-yourself of our wonderful organization she said it’s important to have blog posts projects to diversity to guest columns took the time to read the blog, they dedicated to such topics. written by members of all levels. The would learn so much valuable and “I think readers need to hear about blog is another tool available to help important information,” she said. “I how patriotism is being taught, or how it educate yourself about the ALA and is will continue to read the Auxiliary is shown and expressed by people,” Fitzkee a source of information for recruiting blog and share the information to all said. “When we share in patriotism, we and retaining members. Our stories on Facebook. It is a wonderful and become one.” of impact can be used to motivate, helpful tool available for all to use.” The variety of content available on inspire, teach, and more. A blog posted earlier this year, the ALA blog serves a wide audience — Since its inception, the number Time to Get Creative Addressing Our volunteers, members, and donors. There of monthly views on the blog have Identity, caught Delgado’s eye, and truly is something for everyone! increased from 3,600 in November she shared it on several social media Be sure to follow the blog at 2016 to a record 35,200 views in June pages she follows. Additionally, at www.ALAforVeterans.wordpress.com. 2019. The site has continued to gain unit meetings, Delgado shares blog Happy reading!

AUXILIARY SUDOKU Insert the missing numbers one to nine exactly once in every row, column, and 3x3 square. The three Sudoku games below are in order of beginner, newspaper style, and hard. Answers are found on page 57. 9 1 5 6 8 5 3 5 4 8 2 5 3 7 1 2 1 5 3 2 4 5 7 3 6 7 8 4 6 9 8 7 3 4 6 2 2 3 9 5 8 2 9 5 4 6 7 1 9 3 2 1 4 5 8 4 89 5 3 7 8 9 7 2 1 7 2 5 74 6 5 8 2 3 7 8 5 1 9 4 6 3 8 8 7 9 1 9 7 3 5 4 9 3 1 5 6

26 Auxiliary magazine | May 2020 www.ALAforVeterans.org 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ 5 1 1 3 3 5 7 7 7 8 8 8 8 7 7 7 4 4 4 4 ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ 1 1 3 3 8 8 8 8 7 7

7 7 13 10 ⁄8 10 ⁄8 13 3 10 ⁄16 10 ⁄16 3 10 ⁄4 10 ⁄4

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B_I_V = Live Area: 7 x 9.75, 1 Page, Installment, Vertical updated 6.22.2018 4 4 4 4 ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ 8 8 1 3 1 3 8 PUBLICATION MUST MATCH CODES TO INSERTION ORDER. 7 8 7 8 8 8 8 ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ 8 ⁄ 8 8 8 ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ 3 1 5 7 5 1 3 7 8 8 7 7 7 8 8 7 NEVER GUTTER THE COUPON.

01_19624_001_BIPR.indd 1 2/20/20 10:34 AM IT’S ALL good So, why is it necessary to make an Indiana ALA Unit 500 utilizes GOOD TO GIVE adjustment in your fundraising? an alternative method to cash. Like When you’re able to accept credit Square, the unit has been using or debit cards, you can offer an PayPal for several years to collect alternative when they tell you they payments and donations while out don’t have any cash, giving you a and about. Unit Treasurer Melanie better chance at collecting a donation. Findley said she can accept a payment or donation via credit or Alternative ways to accept money debit card anywhere and everywhere. While cash likely won’t go away For a minimal fee, funds are securely anytime soon, many businesses accepted using a wireless payment and organizations are already using device. Findley said three people alternative forms when it comes within the unit can accept payments to exchanging money on the spot, and donations via PayPal. including the American Legion “It’s really made a difference,” Auxiliary National Headquarters. said Findley. “It’s just tapping into For example, each year at payments or donations that you might National Convention, the American not have received, whether they didn’t Legion Auxiliary Foundation hosts have cash or checks. They usually a #GivingTuesday booth, soliciting have their credit card with them.” donations that are used toward making a difference in the health and Security behind modern quality of life of our military heroes. payment/fundraising methods HOLD THE CASH — Of course, we happily accept cash and Along with the simplicity, using DONATING CAN BE AS checks, but we can easily accept credit one of these alternative methods SIMPLE AS A SWIPE and debit cards through a system provides another added benefit. Put yourself in this situation: known as Square, a mobile payment Unfortunately, situations such as You’re asking for donations in company that offers an inexpensive theft and loss happen. For example, exchange for poppies in your alternative for processing credit a member may go to a community hometown grocery store parking and debit card payments. Funds are event(s) on behalf of their unit or lot. How many times do you hear securely accepted using Android and Legion Family, taking money for a the classic “Sorry — I don’t have Apple smartphones and tablets. After fundraiser, then brings the can of cash any cash”? Think about it, and ask the transaction is made, a small fee home, accidentally forgetting about it yourself how this could be affecting is deducted, and the money is then for a week. the amount of payments and safely deposited directly into the bank When you donate via credit and donations you collect. account of the receiver. These devices debit card, your payment goes from We’re becoming more of are also commonly used at flea point A to point B, easing the concern a cashless society, becoming markets, food trucks, craft fairs, etc. of cash being passed through multiple dependent on swiping our credit “It is seen widely amongst sets of hands. and debit cards. In turn, that makes nonprofit organizations to have As you make plans to hold future it much more difficult for people to different methods available, and that fundraisers and events, consider make a payment or donate when is evident as each organization is implementing and encouraging the only cash is accepted. It may not be reaching out and providing multiple use of these payment methods. It that people don’t want to donate; ways to give,” said Sara Riegel, ALA could make all the difference when they simply may not have the means National Headquarters’ director of it comes to receiving that extra to make it happen. finance. donation.

ALA MEMBER, VOLUNTEER After Smith passed away in May If you’re interested in leaving a LEAVES BEHIND 2019 at age 67, she supported several planned gift to the American Legion CHARITABLE BEQUEST charities with bequests, including a Auxiliary or the American Legion An active member generous gift to the American Legion Auxiliary Foundation, visit www. of American Legion Auxiliary of more than $24,000. ALAforVeterans.org/Planned-Giving/ Auxiliary Unit 143 “She was one who would for more information and where you can in New Cumberland, never miss a meeting and always download the ALA Planned Giving Guide Pa., Barbara K. Smith volunteered to help,” said ALA Unit to help guide you through the planned left behind a legacy of being very 143 President Heather Swartz. “She giving process and answer any questions friendly, kind, and caring. was loved by all and is truly missed.” you may have along the way.

28 Auxiliary magazine | May 2020 www.ALAforVeterans.org “To you, it’s the perfect lift chair. To me, it’s the best sleep chair I’ve ever had.” — J. Fitzgerald, VA

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American Legion Auxiliary salutes spouses of U.S. servicemembers Military wife Angelica Last was in NICU by authorized individuals. second daughter’s birth, Angelica facing a major medical emergency Being apart from one another faced several other hardships during her 34th week of pregnancy. during critical times or everyday while Sam was deployed. She had She developed severe pre-eclampsia, moments is one of the numerous post-partum depression after the a condition that can lead to serious sacrifices made by military spouses birth of their third child, Daryl, complications for mother and baby. — the married servicemember who’s and an Autism diagnosis for their Doctors deemed it necessary to away serving in America’s armed second child, Genevieve. Toss in induce labor then. forces, and the spouse who takes the everyday juggle of managing a Angelica’s husband Sam, a U.S. care of things on the home front. household with four children, each Army soldier, was by her side — Servicemembers make significant under the age of 10. well, as much as he could be, given sacrifices in their roles as protectors Then, there’s the Last’s added that he was on deployment in and defenders of our nation. And so challenge of building a strong Kuwait at the time. He was present do their military spouses. marriage without the benefit of by video chat on a cell phone placed When married servicemembers a long courtship. The couple met near his wife in the delivery room, are away, their spouses are usually online, got acquainted at a distance, with permission from hospital shouldering the responsibilities of and married 28 days after their first officials. managing a household, and caring in-person date. Sam deployed about Though Angelica had to be for their children, alone for long five months after they got married. resuscitated twice while in the periods of time. Sometimes, there are The couple will celebrate their 10th delivery room, mother and baby no relatives or close friends nearby wedding anniversary this fall. survived. Their newborn daughter to help. But even with assistance When he’s away for military Charlie spent 14 days in the plus a solid support system of duties, Sam keeps in contact with hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care family, friends, and religious faith, Angelica as often as possible by Unit (NICU). Today, she is a healthy military spouses are often giving up using a variety of communication 3-year-old girl. Other than starting some shared experiences with their formats. He was present for the to speak later than most children, husbands or wives serving in the births of Daryl and Genevieve. He she hasn’t had any medical issues military. That can mean missing out was present by video chat for the stemming from her induced early on holidays, family triumphs, or the births of their first child Andrew delivery, Angelica said. everyday moments between life’s and fourth child Charlie. As she talked about her husband highs and lows. Through the years, Angelica and being in another country at the time “I just try to go each day in a Sam have discovered methods for of the medical emergency during positive way. I try to make my kids staying connected and building on her pregnancy with Charlie, not into the best people they can be, their relationship, especially during once did Angelica complain about make sure my husband isn’t late for long periods apart. For example, her servicemember spouse not work [when he’s stateside], and that the couple would occasionally plan being there in-person immediately. he has his ID on him. You know to do the same fitness workout Rather, she expressed appreciation what I mean? It’s the simple things. simultaneously while on a video for the technology that made it I don’t really think about the overall call together. Or, they might watch possible for her and Sam to be sacrifices,” Angelica said. a show or movie on Netflix either connected during the ordeal, The American Legion Auxiliary at the same time — or watch at gratitude that he was able to come is a community of volunteers serving different times, and plan time for home as soon as he could, and an veterans, military, and their families. a video call to discuss the show or understanding and respect for Sam’s As such, the ALA acknowledges and movie. military duty. appreciates military spouses who Managing the emotions and Because of this serious medical give up so much in support of the expectations of four young children emergency, Sam was allowed to servicemembers and their duties while their father is away is a top return home briefly. He wasn’t able as part of the U.S. armed forces. priority for the couple. to reach the family’s Kansas home Auxiliary magazine features three “I don’t try to make a big deal until three days after Charlie was military spouses and their stories. about it,” Angelica said. “I don’t born. Modern-day technology paid want to make it about, ‘Oh, Dad’s off for the Last family once more. As ANGELICA LAST not here for Thanksgiving,’ for he traveled, Sam was able to use the Spouse: Sam Last, U.S. Army example. Instead, we make it about hospital’s “Angel Eyes,” a password- Seale, Ala. the positive. So it’s more like, protected computer app which In addition to the serious medical ‘We’re going to call Daddy while allows for online viewing of a baby complications involved in their we’re decorating the Christmas

www.ALAforVeterans.org May 2020 | Auxiliary magazine 31 tree.’ When we celebrate birthdays journey together. We’re trying to example, Johnbrian missed the birth and anniversaries, we juggle them take it one day at a time,” Angelica of his first son and wasn’t able to get around to different times of the said. home until two weeks afterward. year when Sam is home. We just do So far, the Last family’s journey “Yes, it was hard,” Johnbrian things differently.” includes four deployments, four said about missing the birth. “It’s Somewhere in between taking duty stations, plus multiple trainings an accepted consequence of our care of their children and their away from home for prolonged chosen lifestyle. I was present when home, and doing her part to nurture periods of time. The family has my second son was born. But I the couple’s marriage, Angelica moved 12 times in 9-1/2 years. had to leave when he was about 4 finds a little time for herself. She They’re not done with their months old for deployment. My wife has hobbies, such as quilting and journey yet. With 10 years of service was again alone with a newborn. scrapbooking. She also enjoys already under his belt, Sam intends I knew the household was very reading the Bible and doing fitness to make the military his career. stressful, as any household could be workouts. In addition, she built her with a single parent managing five online health and fitness coaching JOHNBRIAN ROBLES children, especially with one being a business during her last two (Serves in the U.S. Air Force) newborn — and the requirements of pregnancies. Her business has been Spouse: Lana Bonotan, a newborn. There was a lot of guilt operating successfully for seven U.S. Air Force with me for not being there. I wanted years. Surprise, Ariz. to fulfill the Air Force’s mission, but I While all of this may seem The sacrifices and challenges also have my obligations as a father. daunting to someone not in a of a military spouse are double “The good thing is, we did have military family, Angelica said for Johnbrian Robles and his wife, family members in California, she doesn’t feel as if she is doing Lana Bonotan. Both of them are within a fairly short distance [prior anything special. servicemembers, making both of to relocating to Arizona] who did “I appreciate it when people see them military spouses. Johnbrian help us,” Johnbrian continued. “They the sacrifices that come with being and Lana serve in the Air Force. The were there as a support base. My wife a military spouse. But when I take couple have five children. So far, is a very strong-willed woman. She a step back and look at it, I guess these married servicemembers have pretty much just took it in stride. I don’t see it as a sacrifice. It’s my not been deployed simultaneously She basically said, ‘This is what the husband. It’s his job. I’m very proud — or away from home for situation is. This is what it calls for. of what he does and his sacrifices overlapping, prolonged periods Let’s do it. It’s going to be hard, but and commitment. At the end of of time — as part of their military let’s do it,’” Johnbrian added. the day, he’s a dad with four kids duties. Having a strong and resourceful and he’s a husband. We’re on this Still, there are sacrifices. For military spouse can be a big support

TOGETHER AND APART (left to right): While deployed overseas, servicemember Sam Last connects by video phone chat with his pregnant wife Angelica while she is in a hospital delivery room; Sam and Angelica Last and their children. (Photos Submitted)

32 Auxiliary magazine | May 2020 www.ALAforVeterans.org to the servicemember who’s away from home and needs to focus on military tasks at hand, Johnbrian explained. “It provides a piece of mind. I know for a fact, that if — knock on wood — something does happen to me, my wife can carry on. And the kids will be cared for, with no ill-effects whatsoever,” he continued. “It’s just the way she is. Any hard situations we’ve come across, we’ve never shied away from. We’ve met them head on, found a resolution, and kept pressing on. In that aspect, we are like-minded. I just relate to RETURNING HOME what I do in the military and what : Servicemember Lana Bonotan is welcomed by her husband, Johnbrian Robles, and their children. (Photo Submitted) we do in our missions. I carry that over to our household: a routine, ago when he was stationed at Travis Lana’s father is a U.S. Navy a schedule, what needs to be done, Air Force Base and she had joined a veteran who served in the Vietnam what’s a priority, what’s not a Reserve unit there. War and the Korean War. He retired priority. I know my wife does the “Once we began our relationship from the Navy after just over 20 same thing.” and knew we wanted to progress years of service. The couple have been able to take with it, we had a conversation. We’re As of press time, Lana was on advantage of modern technology both very deployable. We’re both temporary duty at a stateside Air such as video calls by using laptops very motivated to deploy. And, if Force base. We hope to interview or tablets. But Johnbrian also recalls we are told to do so, we’re not ones her for our blog series featuring a some of his deployments when the to shy away from it. We planned for few other military spouses. Look only communications he had with something as simple as me going to for that series in late May 2020 at Lana and children were sporadic a training course for a week or two, ALAforVeterans.wordpress.com. emails. Johnbrian also remembers to the opposite end of the spectrum when telephone calls on “morale for something a little bit more BARBARA TICHOTA phones” were the major ways to serious — for example, if there is Spouse: Ralph Tichota, U.S. communicate with loved ones a casualty in this family. And how Army Veteran back home. Morale phones were a we’d have to manage the household Clearwater, Neb. military base’s collection of corded as a single parent,” Johnbrian said. The lives of Ralph and Barbara phones for servicemembers to use “I don’t believe anyone is ever Tichota changed drastically in one for personal calls. completely prepared for everything week in January 1969 when they Even with today’s technology that comes up, especially when a received three pieces of news. Ralph of real-time visual and audio spouse is deployed. But it gave us a got a teaching job. The couple found communications, Johnbrian said pretty good foundation on how to out they were expecting their first he misses his wife immensely when go about carrying on.” child. And Ralph was drafted into they are far apart for long periods Lana and Johnbrian, both of the Army. The 24-year-old college of time. whom intend to make the military graduate, husband, and father-to-be “I try to hide it, by virtue of their careers, each have veterans in turned down the teaching job and being me and my personality. I’m their backgrounds. left Nebraska for Fort Ord, an Army pretty sure my wife sees through Johnbrian, a naturalized U.S. base in California, in February 1969. it, even though I try to put on a citizen who immigrated from the He was sent to Vietnam in October stoic appearance. But I miss my Philippines, said his grandfather of that same year. wife immensely. Just waking up in fought in World War II with “I was a little selfish in the the morning without her. Seeing American armed forces to free the beginning. I didn’t want him to go. something as simple as how her side Philippines from Japanese control. I was a bit scared,” said Barbara, of the dresser is pretty much empty Johnbrian had always held the who was 22 years old, pregnant, and — it’s tough,” he said. United States in high regard. He about to share her husband with the Johnbrian and Lana met years joined the U.S. Air Force in 2000. Army during wartime. “But Ralph www.ALAforVeterans.org May 2020 | Auxiliary magazine 33 and I were both taught to respect authority and respect America. So, we handled the situation the best we could.” “We had lots of friends, and our family supported us and everything. It was hard. And we were kind of scared. Both of us. He didn’t say that, but I’m sure he was frightened at times — the fear of the unknown. He kind of kept that inside. He probably talks about it more now than he did at the time. We didn’t dwell on it; We knew these things had to be. That’s the way it was,” FAMILY UNITED: Military spouse Barbara Tichota and her husband, U.S. Army she added. “I just thought it was Vietnam veteran Ralph Tichota pose with their two adult daughters. (Photo Submitted) my duty, for God and my country, to support Ralph because I loved and knowing he was in a war zone. talk much, after he returned home, him so much. I had to support him “I think the biggest thing is that about what he saw and experienced and believe that what he does there nothing was normal. You don’t fit in Vietnam. would be for the good of America.” in. Wherever you go, you felt like a “I think he buried it. He’s the While her husband was doing fifth wheel because you felt like you kind of person who keeps it inside. basic training at Fort Ord, Barbara didn’t fit in. Wherever you go, you After he quit teaching and after he moved to the Monterrey, Calif., area see couples and families together,” wasn’t around so many people, he to be closer to him. Barbara said Barbara said. and I talked about it some more. My she met several other women in the “It was a time of uncertainty. support role as a military spouse, same situation as her. To this day, And we didn’t have all of this it didn’t stop when he came home she maintains contact with a couple communication we have today. I got from Vietnam or when he officially of them. lots of letters. I wrote Ralph every became a veteran. In that sense, I Ralph was present for the birth day. We also sent audiotapes to each feel like I will always be a military of the couple’s first child, Amy, on other. He was good about writing spouse,” she said. Sept. 18, 1969. But he had to leave me, and he said how important it “My husband’s military service about two weeks after her birth was to receive mail there; it was interrupted our life together, but to go to Vietnam. Their second a big morale booster. But when it made us grow and become child, Chasda, was born after Ralph he would write to me and briefly who we are — as a couple, and as completed his two-year obligation mention going on ambush and individuals. We are stronger after in the military. patrols, I didn’t like reading that,” having gone through it. I sure am While he was away in Vietnam, Barbara continued. more sympathetic to those who Barbara and baby Amy lived with The couple were able to briefly are going through it now than Ralph’s parents at their home in reunite, meeting in Hawaii for some people probably are,” Barbara Norfolk, Neb. Barbara worked part- several days when Ralph had “R&R” added. time as a legal secretary at a law (rest and recuperation) time. They Ralph joined The American firm. had a great week together. Then, it Legion in 1981. He is a Legionnaire “We all got through it together. was time to say goodbye again. They at Post 267 in Clearwater, Neb. We all got really close. Ralph were back to relying on letters and Barbara has been an American wouldn’t have wanted it any other audiotapes they sent one another via Legion Auxiliary member of Unit way. He would not have wanted standard U.S. Postal Service mail. 267 in Clearwater since 1983. me living alone. Still, it was hard Ralph completed his 12-month “I like the idea of showing, sometimes. I was a new mother,” tour of duty in Vietnam and especially to young people, how Barbara said. returned home permanently to important it is that our veterans, Even with the help of relatives, Nebraska in October 1970. He military, and their families be the support of friends, and strength farmed for a year and then got a recognized for what they’ve done she drew from her religious faith, job teaching, and coaching various and given up to serve our country. the first-time mother said it wasn’t sports teams, at a local high school. The ALA helps me do that.” H easy being apart from her husband, Barbara said her husband didn’t By Landa Bagley, Staff Writer

34 Auxiliary magazine | May 2020 www.ALAforVeterans.org Ways You Can Help Local Military Spouses and Their Families If there are military families in your services to even things like salons, community, reach out to them. Don’t wait until barbershops, and restaurants. the spouse’s servicemember is deployed or • Offer to help dispose of moving boxes. otherwise away for duty. If possible, work • Bring coffee, snacks, and other pick-me- at building a bond and network of support ups to help make unpacking go quicker. before the military spouses need it. Here are a Getting to know a military family in few simple suggestions to get started: advance will probably make it easier to • Introduce yourself to them. approach the spouse at home and offer • Ask if they need anything. Don’t just ask assistance when the servicemember is away. once and leave it. Trade cell numbers so Ask questions such as, “Do you need any you can be persistent without nagging. help?” or “How can I make things easier for • Share coupon books and social media you?” If the response is that no help is needed, accounts or groups for local activities in let the military spouse know he or she can the area. contact you if assistance is needed later. And if a military family is new to your area: After all, things do come up unexpectedly — • Show up at the new neighbors’ house usually when help is needed the most. with local information and home-baked These tips were provided by ALA National goods. Headquarters’ military spouses Chrystal • Share lists of quality service providers Daulton, Amanda Ginter, Marti Drake, Angie ranging from medical to home repair Graham, and Stephanie Holloway.

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A few hundred American Legion speakers in Monday’s meetings were Legion, for decades, has fought for and Sons of The American Legion so informative,” said Tina Hurst, service-connected disability benefits for caps, along with American Legion Mississippi ALA legislative chair. adverse health conditions linked to toxic Auxiliary shirts adorned with poppies, “It really brought the items in the exposures in service and will continue to took over the streets of the capital legislative agenda to life for me. I am a do so for this generation. for our annual Washington, D.C. numbers person, so hearing statistics • Health care for women veterans: Conference in March. The American that support the decisions made by The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Legion Family continues to be a the Legion really helped make the must continue to develop and expand powerful force together. cause stand out. Also, having this health care services for the fast-growing Throughout the week, members information before making our visits population of female veterans, a large jointly participated in the conference on Tuesday helped us emphasize why percentage of whom do not enroll for VA — attending meetings, visiting the Legion supports the agenda they health care for a number of reasons. lawmakers on the Hill, and sitting chose.” • Support VA’s suicide-prevention side by side during American Legion efforts: An estimated 20 veterans die National Commander James W. “Bill” Legion Legislative Priorities by suicide every day. Most were not Oxford’s testimony. It truly was a United together, the Legion Family receiving care or support through VA Family affair. learned the priorities of The American that may have saved them. The American Auxiliary members, Legionnaires, Legion legislative agenda. The Legion supports expanding and and Sons participated in several priorities most discussed on the Hill: promoting mental health treatment for commission meetings as part of the • Toxic exposure and burn pits: veterans and urges Congress to provide conference. Diligently taking notes, Millions of veterans have been VA necessary funds to hire mental ALA members learned more about deployed in the Global War on Terror, health professionals and proper staffing National Security, Veterans Affairs & and a disturbingly high percentage of for its Integrative Health and Wellness Rehabilitation, Veterans Employment them have been exposed to airborne Program. & Education, and Legislative. toxic hazards during their service as • Pay the Coast Guard: On a daily “The information given by the a result of burn pits. The American basis, U.S. Coast Guard personnel carry

36 Auxiliary magazine | May 2020 www.ALAforVeterans.org out missions that are vital to national to feel the same. annual event for the Family to focus security. The Coast Guard, however, Clapp joined the Iowa delegation on, Clapp said. is the only military branch forced to in visiting with Sen. Chuck Grassley “I embraced the chance to learn work without pay during a government (R) and Sen. Joni Ernst (R). from national speakers and experts shutdown. This is unacceptable. The “I appreciated sitting down with on an array of legislative priorities repeated and all too common threat of both Iowa senators to discuss the that we would not be able to without government shutdown brings severe legislative priorities that affect our this conference,” Clapp said. “Our hardships on our Coast Guard members mission delivery across the country members echoed the incredible and their families. No member of the and around the globe,” Clapp said. opportunity to partake in the U.S. military service should ever live in abundance of educational sessions the fear of not being paid. The American Commander’s Testimony D.C. Conferences offers.” Legion supports bills and provisions The final day of a unified presence that will ensure the Coast Guard is paid in our capital saw the Family Looking Ahead during government shutdowns. supporting Oxford in his testimony Taking what they learned back to Other legislative priorities: to a joint session of the Senate and their respective departments, members protect the American flag, reaffirm House Committees on Veterans’ of The American Legion Family left commitment to our allies, fully fund a Affairs. further educated on working with and superior national defense, implement “Implementation, oversight, influencing lawmakers to implement and oversee recent laws, protect the GI improvement,” Oxford said. “That the Legion’s legislative priorities. Bill, help end veteran homelessness, and triad is the prevailing theme in The “I learned so much in such a short support for Gold Star families. American Legion’s legislative priority time,” Hurst said. “Bringing the Family To learn more about the legislative list for the second session of the together to hear the information that priorities, visit www.Legion.org. 116th Congress.” decisions are based on gave me more “It was an honor and privilege Several questions were asked after insight into the issues being faced by to address The American Legion the report, creating a continuous veterans.” Family to reinforce the commitment dialogue between the Legion and the While the physical presence of a of the American Legion Auxiliary to committee members. few hundred American Legion and the legislative agenda for the 116th “To be able to attend the Sons caps along with Auxiliary poppies Congress,” said ALA National President testimony was the highlight of my are no longer visible on the streets Nicole Clapp. “Several of the priorities trip,” Hurst said. “The enthusiasm around the U.S. Capitol, the influence directly relate to the ALA administrative with which Commander Oxford and respect remains as lawmakers take area of emphasis focusing on the health spoke shows the commitment the what they learned from Legion Family and well-being of our veterans, military, Legion has in taking care of our visits and work together to improve the and their families.” veterans.” lives of our country’s veterans, military, Overall, the conference was and their families. H Strength in Numbers very successful and is an important By Sara Fowler, Staff Writer With knowledge of the priorities, Legion Family members headed to the Hill, equipped with plenty of information to share with lawmakers. Rhode Island has a strong relationship with its representatives and senators, said Karen Panzarella, legislative chair for the department. The delegation started off the day with Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse (D) and Jack Reed (D) before visiting their representatives. As with each state, they educated their lawmakers on the legislative agenda and how they can help make a FAMILY MATTERS difference. (opposite page, top left clockwise): ALA National President Family members worked together Nicole Clapp addresses Legion Family at the commander’s call; Legion National Chaplain Edward L. Harris Jr. with his wife, Vandella Harris; Legion Family during their visits, from navigating is represented during Kentucky’s Hill visit; Alaska members meet with Sen. the buildings to taking turns talking, Dan Sullivan (R); Auxiliary members chat during a break between commission passionately explaining why these meetings; Family members of Rhode Island with Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D) legislative priorities matter to The after their meeting. Above: The Kentucky delegation meets with aides of Sen. American Legion Family and working Mitch McConnell (R); photos: Ben Mikesell/TAL and ALANHQ. hard to encourage their lawmakers

www.ALAforVeterans.org May 2020 | Auxiliary magazine 37 IMPACT ALA! FREE EDUCATIONAL COURSES LEAD TO BRIGHTER AUXILIARY FUTURE everyone will get the hosting a fundraiser from start to same information and finish and that the ALA Foundation opportunities to ensure has grants to offer and enhance their consistent messaging and fundraising efforts,” said Madison training delivery. Maves, Development Division director Here is a closer look at at National Headquarters. the eight ALA Academy How to Deal with Conflict: covers courses, with the three defining conflict, the difference newest listed first: between conflict and complaint, Junior Course: what causes conflict, and strategies Designed specifically to resolve conflict. It’s designed as an for Junior members, interactive course, engaging the user this module revised the through questions and scenarios. Since May 2017, eight ALA previous Junior Leadership Course Course learning objectives: Academy courses have provided from a PowerPoint to a digital format. n Why conflict can be good opportunities for ongoing training Goals of this course: n Strategies for handling conflict through self-paced learning, peer n Defines the ALA’s purpose for proactively sharing, and peer mentoring. the Junior member n Strategies for handling conflict The educational opportunities n Ways Juniors can excel as leaders positively these courses provide are a deeper n Tips for speaking to groups n A better understanding of your level of understanding about the n What happens at ALA meetings? own style of handling conflict organization. Members who don’t n ALA officer roles and their job ALA 101: designed to be an take these courses will miss out on duties introductory course to ALA Academy, advanced options to grow and learn n The 10 principles of the ALA focusing on who we are, what we do, as a member, as a volunteer, and as a preamble and why we matter. donor, thus affecting the impact on “I hope Juniors take away the Communication Methods 201: those we serve. goals, plus a desire to continue their an introduction to how the ALA uses The free, professionally developed membership in the ALA when they e-communication. It also provides online training program is designed turn 18,” said Kristin Hinshaw, basic how-to information about using for both new and seasoned ALA National Headquarters senior social media. members. For new members, program coordinator. ALA Leadership: Living Our ALA Academy gives participants a Fundraising Overview: takes Motto of Service Not Self: reviews chance to learn even more about the members through the four different what it means to be a leader and that organization at their own pace; for ALA Foundation grants (Veteran leadership is not only a title — it is seasoned members, the courses are a Projects Fund, Sub Grants, Veterans helping others to stay mission-focused good refresher. Creative Arts Festival, and Mission and leading by our guiding principles. With online training available to in Action) and how to apply. It also Establishing an ALA Culture of all members who have access to the covers how to host a fundraiser, Goodwill: this thought-provoking internet, ALA Academy offers: including best practices. course was designed to help ALA 1. Multiple delivery methods to Course learning objectives: members better understand how our help encourage self-paced learning, n Identifies the four different attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors impact sharing, and mentoring. grants awarded by the ALAF and how ALA membership and the ALA’s 2. Opportunities for ongoing to apply for them ability to serve our mission. training and discussions – much n Lists tips and ideas for effective ALA Branding and Why it of the ALA Academy curriculum and successful fundraising Matters to Me: takes a closer look will encourage activities to continue n Discusses your success story at key topics, such as what branding learning after the actual instructional with donors and the public means, defining brand loyalty, how event. n Outlines the steps and actions to consistency leads to brand loyalty, 3. Virtual online learning to allow take when planning a fundraiser and why branding is important to the those who may not be able to travel n Offers ideas on how to ALA’s future. to a classroom or unit meeting to still effectively market your fundraiser To get started on your first ALA participate and learn. “From this course, I hope members Academy course or to take another, 4. Consistent training materials– learn the steps of planning and visit www.ALAforVeterans.org.

38 Auxiliary magazine | May 2020 www.ALAforVeterans.org IMPACT ALA! NATIONAL COMMITTEE REPORTS ALA GIRLS STATE: A GREAT RECRUITING TOOL IN YOUR DEPARTMENT Did you know there are ALA Girls State citizen. Ask them the meeting, tell her about the multiple opportunities to recruit to help at one of your ALA events organization and ask if she would membership with your American such as bingo, chili suppers, or fish like to join. You may even find out Legion Auxiliary Girls State fries. Ask them to speak during your her parents are eligible to join the program? If you’ve attended any local Veterans Day celebrations. Ask organization. sessions of your ALA Girls State them to talk to junior girls in next Stay in touch with your ALA program, you’ve realized the year’s high school classes about their Girls State citizens even if they excitement and pride in our country wonderful experiences at ALA Girls are not eligible for membership that citizens gain during this week. State. now. Someday, they may become a The memories and friendships made A great recruiting tool is to veteran through their own service, will last a lifetime. Many are willing find out if your citizen applied for or through another family member, to give back to the organization that The American Legion Samsung and they may want to “pay back” the gave them such a great opportunity Scholarship by asking your program ALA by joining your unit or post while attending American Legion chairperson. If she applied, she then. Auxiliary Girls State. is eligible to join the American Wendy Riggle is a 56-year What can your unit do after ALA Legion Auxiliary. Ask her to speak member of the ALA. She Girls State? Sponsor a float in your at your next meeting about her ALA belongs to Unit 177 in Mount Auburn, Iowa. local parades with a sign for your Girls State experiences. During

AUDIT: AREAS OF RISK MANAGEMENT WORTH CONSIDERING Many recognize the importance Although departments should interest or the appearance of one, of Audit Committees to our regularly shred or otherwise a conflict of interest can occur and organization. Members selected dispose unnecessary and outdated can be terribly damaging to our to serve should have appropriate documents and files, care must organization. backgrounds with respect to be taken to maintain appropriate It is very important that all governance and management policy records concerning financial members disclose any potential and procedures. To be effective, information, contracts, real estate conflicts of interest. If you suspect they should have familiarity of our and other major transactions, another member has crossed organization, its structure, and employment files, and fundraising the line by promoting their own its mission, while providing new accountability, according to financial interest, you should take perspectives and fresh insights. guidelines established by your responsibility and reveal your Audit Committee responsibilities department and as governed by concerns immediately. vary; however, most assume an your respective state. And if you, personally, believe independent oversight and advisory Disasters can strike anytime and you may have a conflict of interest, role in relation to internal control come in a variety of forms — from you should recuse yourself from over financial reporting, audit, risk tornadoes, earthquakes, or winter the relevant discussion and management, and accounting. storms, to water main breaks or participation in any subsequent A few areas dealing with risk other miscellaneous building votes on the issue. management worth considering: damage, to minor incidents such as As we look toward our next Departments and/or units should power outages and technical issues century of service, we must continue have a retention and destruction — each can paralyze operations if to actively monitor the health and policy, helping to eliminate not adequately prepared. A detailed well-being of our organization and accidental or innocent destruction Disaster Response and Recovery conscientiously review internal of records. The policy should Plan will aid in providing direction controls, helping to reduce potential include guidelines for handling for continuing operations under risks to our organization. electronic files and voicemails and adverse conditions and reduce risk should contain backup procedures, to our organization. archiving of documents, and a The American Legion Auxiliary’s Jeri Greenwell is a 53-year member of the Auxiliary. She schedule for confirmation of system reputation is our greatest asset. belongs to Mundt-Allen Unit reliability. Whether a member has a dual 81 in Bethel, Maine. www.ALAforVeterans.org May 2020 | Auxiliary magazine 39 IMPACT ALA! NATIONAL COMMITTEE REPORTS JUNIOR ACTIVITIES: KEEP JUNIORS ACTIVE, ENGAGED THIS SUMMER Warm weather can be a great just make yourself aware. Now let’s patches? This could be done at the opportunity to keep your Juniors do some brainstorming. department convention, at your active and engaged during the Next, look at the obvious dates post, or at a community center. It summer to reinforce Service Not like Memorial Day or Independence could be an opportunity to advertise Self. Planning early can put your Day — could the Juniors serve the event to the community to unit on a path to a fun-filled veterans at a parade or post event attract potential members or bring summer with your Juniors. Here are with water, snacks, or make special awareness to your unit. Tell each some steps to help you plan. cards for veterans who will attend Junior to bring a friend, whether Let’s start by looking at the those events, thanking them for the friend belongs to the unit or calendar. The dates to circle are their service? Could the Juniors play not. Everyone needs to learn about Memorial Day, Flag Day, your an active role in one of those events? Americanism. department convention dates, Is there an opportunity to The summer is filled with Independence Day, and Labor Day. help clean a park or area in the possibilities for our Juniors. Think, Other dates to consider depend community together? What if plan, and coordinate ahead of time on your community. Is there a they took a couple days and ran a to make this summer the best it county fair, an annual event in the lemonade stand to raise money for can be for your Junior Activities community, or at the post? What a cause? program. about a date in August to consider Lastly, don’t forget about the a back-to-school event? Don’t patches Juniors can earn. What Suzanne Knapp is a 52-year member of the Auxiliary. She freak out and think you have to do about organizing a day or two in the belongs to Michigan Unit 4 in something on all of these dates — summer to help Juniors earn those Mount Clemens.

CONSTITUTION & BYLAWS: KEEP YOUR DOCUMENTS UP TO DATE The In a significant legislative victory A small change in language reveals a erian Legion iliar rules in our for The American Legion, the monumental change in concept. Mission In the spirit of service, not self, the mission governing LEGION Act (Let Everyone Get The American Legion has of the American Legion Auxiliary is to support e American Legion and honor the sacri ce documents Involved in Opportunities for additionally changed the eligibility of those who serve by enhancing the lives of our veterans, military, and their families, protect National Service) was signed into language from “wives” to both at home and abroad. ational For God and Country, we advocate for veterans, us. They law on July 30, 2019, declaring the “spouses.” A spouse is defined as a educate our citizens, mentor youth, and promote onstitution patriotism, good citizenship, peace and security. provide a United States has been in a state husband or wife. If their eligibility las and reference of war since Dec. 7, 1941. The requirements are met, men are tandin ules for eligibility clause in the American now eligible to join the American

American Legion Auxiliary P National Headquarters questions, Legion Auxiliary’s Constitution, Legion Auxiliary. Whether you 3450 Founders Road Revision Adopted 2013 Indianapolis, IN 46268 Initially Adopted 1921 P: 317 569-4500 | F: 317 569-4502 inquiries, Bylaws, and Standing Rules has perceive it or not, everything is www.ALAforVeterans.org www.ALAFoundation.org and best been updated to reflect this fact. constantly changing. American Legion Auxiliary National Headquarters All rights reserved. 10/2019 Produced in USA In the Spirit of Service Not Self for Veterans, God and Country practices All definitive dates for eligibility As Heraclitus said, “Change is the when are now defined in the footnote only constant in life.” As American members aligned to Article III of the Legion Auxiliary members, are needing a resource for supporting Constitution. In support of this embracing these fundamental our American Legion Auxiliary action, the Preamble has been changes will enable our members mission. revised to reflect “all wars” from to better acclimate to a changing Are your documents current and “great wars.” global environment while remaining up to date? Many changes have been Every American Legion relevant and empowered on behalf implemented in response to critical Auxiliary unit, district, county, of those we serve. revisions adopted by The American and department should adopt

Legion. Now is the time to prepare this language and assure their Trish Ward is a 21-year and assure you are positioned to governing documents reflect the member of John P. Hand Unit implement all necessary updates. change in eligibility requirements. 250 of Louisburg, Kan.

40 Auxiliary magazine | May 2020 www.ALAforVeterans.org IMPACT ALA! NATIONAL OFFICER CANDIDATES 2020-2021

Candidate: National Candidate: Eastern Candidate: National President Division National Vice Historian KATHY DAUDISTEL President CAROL G. CAMPBELL Department of Kentucky: MARIE J. PYTKA Department of Virginia: Latonia Unit 203 Department of Unit 10 Eligibility: Through father, Rhode Island: Fierlit/ Eligibility: Through father, William Kaelin Jr., Korean War Era U.S. Korzen Unit 79 James F. Gallagher Sr., U.S. Army, WWII. Army veteran. Eligibility: Through husband, Eugene R. Offices Held: Served in several unit, Pytka, U.S. Navy veteran, Vietnam era. American Legion Auxiliary district, and department level positions. National: National vice president; chaplains express our national committee chair: Veterans Candidate: Northwestern founding principle of service Affairs & Rehabilitation, Children & Youth, Division National Vice to God and country and President Poppy, National Security, Americanism, celebrate diversity among Membership, and Leadership. DEE DEE BUCKLEY Department of people and faiths. They also Minnesota: Ben Krueger provide spiritual and emotional Candidate: National Vice Unit 49/Pequot Lakes guidance, sending dignity and President Eligibility: Through father, Loren V. respect to the occasion. VICKIE KOUTZ Lien, WWII U.S. Navy veteran, and son Department of Indiana: Matthew Karvonen, U.S. Navy veteran of Candidate: National Boonville Unit 200 Kosovo campaign. Chaplain Eligibility: Through MARY CAUTHEN husband, James E. Koutz, U.S. Army Candidate: Southern Department of Louisiana: Vietnam veteran (in country) Division National Vice Unit 3 Offices Held: Served in several unit, President Eligibility: Through district, and department level positions. GABRIELE BARNETT husband Gerhard Cauthen, U.S. Army, National: NEC; national committee chair: Department of Georgia: Cold War. Auxiliary Emergency Fund, Poppy, Unit 192, Evans Legislative, ALA Girls State chair/ALA Eligibility: Through late husband, Sgt. Girls Nation director, National Security, 1st. Class (Ret.) Maurice “Mo” Barnett, a WHEN ARE ALA NATIONAL Membership, Constitution & Bylaws, U.S. Army Vietnam veteran. OFFICERS ELECTED? Education, Children & Youth, and These national officer positions Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation; national serve one-year terms and are committee vice chair: Leadership, Candidate: Western Community Service, and Junior Activities. Division National Vice elected at National Convention President each year. These officers will serve TONI GIMPEL until adjournment of the following Department of Idaho: Bonneville Unit 56 — National Convention. In addition to these candidates, American Legion Auxiliary Idaho Falls Eligibility: Through husband, Arthur L. any member in good standing may members elect five national Gimpel, U.S. Air Force (Ret.) Vietnam; be nominated for any of these division vice presidents, one father, Thomas Keith Bowcutt, WWII, national offices from the floor at from each ALA division. U.S. Navy; and son, Keith M. Gimpel, U.S. Air Force post-Gulf War. National Convention. ALA national division vice presidents are elected Candidate: Central in their respective division caucus Division National Vice President The national historian during National Convention. DENISE DELANEY- completes a historical record Visit www.ALAforVeterans.org WROLEN of the administrative year in to read more about the candidates Department of Indiana: which she serves, maintains, for 2020-2021 office. Gary Unit 279 Eligibility: Through father, George and updates the historical Evans Jr., World War II U.S. Navy records of the American Information presented on this page veteran, served in the Pacific. Legion Auxiliary. was provided by the candidates.

DID YOU KNOW? The American Legion Auxiliary national vice president hasn’t always been part of the ALA’s roster of national officers. It wasn’t until 1971 when the vice president was first elected. Duties of the NVP: to be the presiding officer at a meeting of the organization in the absence of the national president and to assume such other duties as assigned by the national president.

www.ALAforVeterans.org May 2020 | Auxiliary magazine 41 IMPACT ALA! WHAT’S NEW AT NHQ NEC APPROVES SEVERAL RESOLUTIONS AT ITS MID-YEAR MEETING The National Executive Committee position has customarily been National Audit Committee Charter approved several resolutions responsible for both management rescinded at the 2019 National at its mid-year meeting, along and government oversight Convention. with holding a special centennial functions, assigning management Additionally, the national treasurer celebration. responsibilities for National and director of finance positions were A major item the board discussed Headquarters to an executive split with Sara Riegel remaining as was the composition of the Executive director will allow the national director of finance on the operations Committee to the Board of Directors. secretary to focus on the governance side. Marybeth Revoir was appointed to Currently, it’s comprised of the responsibilities stated in the be national treasurer on the governance national president, national vice Constitution & Bylaws as an officer side. president, national secretary, national of the organization. The centennial shadowbox (pictured, treasurer, and national at center) was revealed in a finance committee chair. The surprise unveiling ceremony proposed composition is featuring National President national president, national Nicole Clapp and 100th vice president, national Anniversary Committee secretary, national treasurer, Chair Linda Newsome. The five national division video was shared on the vice presidents, and two ALA National Headquarters NEC persons who will be Facebook page. appointed annually by the national In other news from the NEC’s The shadowbox was first created for president. mid-year meeting, members voted the ALA’s 75th anniversary and has been This topic’s discussion led to the to: added to in order to showcase our last 25 board calling for an executive session n Amend the preface of the years, including our centennial. with the board ultimately approving Standing Rules: technical cleanup In addition to the big takeaways the resolution. recommended by Chris Dickey, listed above, a verbatim of the NEC Another item the board voted national parliamentarian. meeting proceedings will be posted on was the establishment of an n Change the “Code of Ethics” on the national website at www. executive director position at name in the Standing Rules to “Code ALAforVeterans.org in summer 2020. National Headquarters as well as that of Ethical Conduct.” Follow national ALA media regarding position’s responsibilities. n Audit Committee charter: National Convention in August for other Although the national secretary technical cleanup pursuant to the resolutions which will be voted on. YELLOW RIBBON EVENTS HELP SPREAD THE AUXILIARY MISSION For almost a year, the national servicemembers and loved ones is recruitment and educating American Legion Auxiliary has connect with local resources before, servicemembers and families been attending a handful of Yellow during, and after deployments. on the services we provide,” Ribbon Reintegration Program Reintegration during post- said Tyra Nelson, ALA National (YRRP) events to get the ALA’s deployment is a critical time for Headquarters’ Washington, D.C. site name out to military families and members of the National Guard director. also using it as another method of and Reserve, as they often live far So far, the Auxiliary has been membership outreach. from military installations and other involved at six Yellow Ribbon The YRRP is a U.S. Department members of their units. The YRRP events. of Defense effort to promote the was established in 2008. “The Yellow Ribbon program well-being of National Guard and Recently, the American Legion gives us another platform to talk Reserve members, their families, Auxiliary has made it a priority about the wonderful services we and communities, by connecting to attend these events to provide have for servicemembers and their them with resources throughout the information on who we are, what we family members,” Nelson said. “I deployment cycle. do, and why we matter. believe, given the opportunity to According to the Yellow Ribbon “The role of the American talk more about membership, it will website, through these events, Legion Auxiliary at these events help to increase our numbers.”

42 Auxiliary magazine | May 2020 www.ALAforVeterans.org IMPACT ALA! REFLECTIONS Provided by Mary Anne Casadei, National Chaplain 2019-2020 | www.Facebook.com/groups/alachaplains MAY JUNE JULY “You are the same and your years “May your deeds be shown to “Come to me all who are tired and will have no end. Our children your servants, your splendor to their have heavy loads, and I will give you will live in safety, and under your children. May the favor of the Lord rest.” Matthew 11:28 protection their descendants will be our God rest on us; establish the Ahh … it is Friday afternoon. You secure.” Psalm 102 27:28 work of our hands for us.” Psalm just finished a grueling, exhausting It has been said, “The only 90:16-17 week. Now is your time to relax and constant is change” (Greek Think about what kind of life you rest up for the next grueling week. philosopher Heraclitus). We start would have if you never had to work. Wait — you have to throw a birthday to change from the minute we Think of how you could indulge party for your child/grandchild with are born. We change physically, yourself — lazing around all day, 12 first-graders jacked up on sugar. emotionally, spiritually. We change napping, playing on your phone, You have to do the shopping, laundry, our minds, sometimes minute to watching old movies, bingeing on and let’s not forget the housework! minute. We change the way we your favorite TV series. Netflix, It’s hot and humid outside and you think about circumstances all the Netflix, Netflix. You would never haven’t even started. How is that time. Our relationships change. have to pay a bill, sit in a meeting, relaxation working out for you? Our lives are always shifting and punch a time clock or set an alarm How would you choose to relax? changing. Change in our world is clock. Wow, this sounds great. Or What helps you to let go of the stress constant. But those who believe does it? For a few days, it would be and fatigue? For me, it is to relax with have an abiding faith that our God like a vacation. You could relax and a good book. My friend does yoga. enjoy a slow-paced life. But after never changes. It is a sure thing! Maybe you like to be outside with a few days, maybe a few weeks, it We have been promised that nature, maybe you like to cook, or would start to be tedious. It would our God is a constant God. God maybe you crochet. How does taking become boring. never changes, and His word never a long, hot bath sound? Maybe you God wants us to have a purpose in changes. God is the same yesterday, like to go out to dinner and a movie. life. He wants us to be productive. He today and tomorrow, forever and My husband enjoys a good comedy. wants us to have goals. God tasked forever. He never changes His word. Laughter is said to be the best Adam with naming all the animals. “In the beginning, Lord, You laid Genesis 2 says the Garden of Eden medicine. the foundations of the earth, and had “trees that were pleasing to the Whatever it is, we look forward to the heavens are work of Your hands. eye and good for food” [V.9] God our favorite way to relax. Now think They will perish, but You remain; told Adam to “work it and take care what your life would be without these they will all wear out like a garment. of it” [V.15]. gifts. You could never take a bath, You will roll them up like a robe; If you look in the Bible, you will read a book, or go out to dinner. No like a garment, they will be changed. see many types of occupations: more movies! No more spending But You remain the same, and Your shepherds, carpenters, tax collectors, time outside with nature. God years will never end.” musicians, bakers, tentmakers, gives us different ways to relax for Hebrews 1:10-12 fathers, and mothers. Whether you our enjoyment and entertainment. Knowing this, think how this are CEO for a big company, stay- Relaxing contributes to our overall impacts your life. We are able to at-home parent with your children, well-being. Through relaxing, we continue our life with confidence volunteer with veterans, or teach or have an opportunity to experience and a surety that God will always work at your church, each and every God in our life. Accept the gift of be with us. “As a father is kind to job is a gift from God. Trust that God relaxation from our God. Embrace it. his children, so the Lord is kind to is aware of your situation. He knows! “Most giving God, thank You for those who honor him.” Psalm 10:13 “Trust in God at all times, my people. the gift of relaxation. Teach me to God has been good to us. Tell Him all your troubles. He is our embrace it. Amen.” “Dear God, I praise You. Thank You refuge.” Psalm 62:8 for forgiving my sins. Thank You for “Dear God, thank you for giving Mary Anne Casadei is a healing my soul. You bless me with me a purpose in life. I trust in You. PUFL member of Henry P. your mercy. Give me the strength to You have blessed me. I will give You Smith Unit 24 in Rome, N.Y. honor You. Amen.” praise and honor. Amen.” www.ALAforVeterans.org May 2020 | Auxiliary magazine 43 ALA! CENTENNIAL MOMENTS century. The ALA carries out All-Woman House, which was selfless acts with the goal of “blitz built” in about a week, in contributing to the enhancement Washington, D.C., by an all-female of communities throughout the volunteer crew. That crew included United States. That’s an example of ALA members and the future “good citizenship,” which the ALA homeowner, whose “sweat equity” wholeheartedly encourages. was an eligibility requirement for One of those ALA community ownership. service activities involved the The ALA raised more than 1992 Jimmy Carter Work Project, $50,000 for construction of the in which former U.S. President home. And ALA members from Carter and former First Lady numerous departments nationwide Rosalynn Carter led a Habitat contributed money and time to for Humanity work group in the other Habitat for Humanity homes. construction of quality, affordable The project attracted national houses in various locations for media coverage from McCall’s deserving families in need of magazine and the Good Morning homes. America TV show. During the June 14-20, 1992, Since 1992, the ALA national THE AUXILIARY HAS Jimmy Carter Work Project, the level has transitioned to A LONG HISTORY OF goal was to build 10 to 15 single community service projects that COMMUNITY SERVICE family homes in Washington, specifically support our mission Helping others is not a chore D.C., and start 10 living units and those we serve — veterans, among members of the American in a Baltimore neighborhood. military, and their families — and Legion Auxiliary; it’s a tradition The American Legion Auxiliary has encouraged Auxiliary units and that dates back more than a sponsored the work project’s departments to do the same.

National President Adalin Macauley 10 0 : (1926-1927) is credited for organization ALA History of our Poppy Program in the early 1920s. In 1927, Macauley (pictured with Facts bouquet) attended the Paris, France, National Convention, along with Gen. John J. Pershing (on Macauley’s right) Did you and National Commander Howard know? Savage (on Macauley’s left). The American Legion Auxiliary supported South Korean projects such as electrification following the Korean War. In 1959, National President Ce Gunn (1958-1959) visited a Korean children’s orphanage.

In 1970, the ALA contributed The emblems of The American $34,777 to purchase cement, Legion and the American Legion roofing, lumber, and tile for Auxiliary are incorporated, side- the construction of Nicaraguan by-side, in the images of the ornate schools. The communities stained glass window donated to the provided the land and labor for National Cathedral in Washington, the building. D.C. by the ALA in the 1980s.

44 Auxiliary magazine | May 2020 www.ALAforVeterans.org ALA MEMBERS’ MAJOR To that list, the 97-year-old Instead of focusing on the bad MILESTONES Gessner would add the fact that she times, Gessner remembers an As the has been an ALA member since her important lesson her father taught American Legion infancy. Her mother, Eva Farison, her that possibly shaped her way of Auxiliary continues signed her up under the service of her thinking for the rest of her life. Her its centennial father, World War I U.S. Army veteran father took Gessner and her siblings celebrations, ALA William Earl Farison. to the bread lines and soup kitchens members are “We grew up to be patriots. So “so we would know that as poor as we reaching major milestones of their own something like being part of the were, we were lucky,” she said. every day. Occasionally during the ALA was just part of life,” Gessner When financial struggles hit any remainder of this ALA administrative said, explaining that her sister, Betty family, spending cuts are often made. year, Auxiliary magazine will showcase Farison, had been a lifelong American The Auxiliary memberships of her a few of our current members who Legion Auxiliary member before mother, Eva, and her sister Betty were either have reached an age of 100 years passing away at age 90 in 2011. continued. With great pride, Gessner or older, or who have had an ALA Though Gessner went through a recalls taking over the responsibility membership anniversary of 75 or more lot in her lifetime, with a few of the of paying her Auxiliary dues once she continuous years. Let’s celebrate! more challenging times occurring in turned 16 years old. American Legion Auxiliary her childhood, her patriotism didn’t As an adult, her favorite part of member Kathleen “Kay” Gessner has wane. She was 7 years old when the being an ALA member has been a lengthy list of lifetime achievements stock market crashed. Though she attending Auxiliary meetings, and her and accolades. To name a few: She was not old enough to completely favorite ALA event is local ice cream served as mayor of Florida, Ohio, understand what was happening, she social fundraisers. for 20 years. She was named Henry felt the consequences of the crash, The patriot in Gessner is still as County, Ohio’s “Woman of the Year” as did so many others. Gessner was strong as ever. She has one main in 1973. And, at age 92, Gessner 14 years old when her family’s house message for members of the ALA and wrote Tiptoe Softly, a 203-page burned. Through it all, she maintained other parts of The American Legion memoir about her life during the gratitude for her blessings and an Family: “Stress patriotism as much Great Depression while growing up in appreciation for our country and her as you can. Try to get it back into the Henry County. community. s c h o o l s .”

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www.ALAforVeterans.org May 2020 | Auxiliary magazine 45

Kindness Flows from the Hands of ALA’s Poppy Makers

The power of a flower to drive human emotion can be Based on personal life experiences of each poppy strong. A red rose on special occasions can make your maker, creating these delicate flowers can take on sweetheart swoon. And a red poppy, on any day, can additional meaning. For some people, it evokes strong make a patriot feel reverence and appreciation for fallen emotion plus other intangibles, such as healing, military heroes. The power comes from the meanings appreciation, and purposefulness. Or, the task can attached to these flowers. conjure up concepts anchored in selflessness, such as Most Americans know the red poppy as a solemn “being part of something greater than oneself” and symbol of sacrifice made by U.S. servicemembers “paying forward a good deed.” killed in the line of duty. The iconic flower is worn in While it is important to make a lot of red poppies tribute to those fallen heroes and in support of veterans, to solicit donations to help veterans, active-duty military, and their families. People in other countries servicemembers, and their families, constantly dwelling wear red poppies in remembrance of their nation’s fallen solely on poppy production statistics is fruitless for a servicemembers as well. flower that has the power of honoring, Since 1921, the red poppy has been healing, and helping. the official flower of the American Legion Auxiliary — a community of ‘This helps veterans. This helps volunteers serving veterans, military their families.’ and their families. For decades, the Albert Ciccone remembers how ALA has carried out its Poppy Program poppy making calmed his father, aimed at helping those we serve. Louis, a U.S. Air Force veteran with Members of the ALA, others within bipolar depression and diagnosed The American Legion Family, and with paranoid schizophrenia. Ciccone nonmembers voluntarily distribute recalls being a small child visiting millions of ALA red crepe paper poppies his father who was hospitalized in a — most of which are handmade — U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs nationwide in exchange for donations. facility. All of the money collected is used to “The repetitive nature of the poppy directly support veterans, active-duty making calmed him; it made him feel servicemembers, and their families. connected to his military brothers, and The ALA’s poppy distribution days occur year-round, it was something I could be involved in as a small child. with more emphasis on Memorial Day, Veterans Day, He taught me how to count [using the poppies]; I’d give and National Poppy Day® — the Friday before Memorial 10 to every veteran in the room. I’d run around handing Day. In the 2018-2019 administrative year, $3.6 million out those flowers,” Ciccone said. was raised from the 3.1 million poppies distributed. “I have that feeling of camaraderie when I make Who makes the ALA’s red crepe paper poppies? poppies now with my fellow veterans, our American Nowadays, anyone can make them by coordinating Legion post, and Sons of The American Legion with an ALA unit or department, which provides poppy squadron,” said Ciccone, also an Air Force veteran. makers with assembly kits. The kits are sold through Ciccone makes the red crepe paper flowers for the American Legion Flag & Emblem Sales (emblem.legion. ALA. He is a charter member and the post commander org). Not too long ago, only military veterans were of American Legion Post 201 at the Idaho State allowed to make these flowers, often as a form of physical Correctional Center, in Boise. He is also a charter and emotional rehabilitation — and they were paid for member of Sons of The American Legion Squadron 201 their work. Veterans are still paid for poppy making. at the center.

POPPY MAKERS AT WORK (from left, clockwise): U.S. Air Force veteran Gary Proctor at the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown, Iowa; ALA member Ellen Nathan, of Unit 912 in Washington City, Utah; several members of American Legion Post 201, with a member of Sons of The American Legion Squadron 201, at the Idaho State Correctional Center in Boise. www.ALAforVeterans.org May 2020 | Auxiliary magazine 47 Of the 35 Legionnaires and 25 squadron members “The American Legion’s Department of Idaho has a there, 23 of them make poppies. After getting approval really good partnership with the Idaho Department of from the center’s warden, Jay Christensen, for this activity Corrections in helping the veterans inside IDOC facilities in November 2019, these Legion Family members have achieve the Legion’s goals, such as continued devotion to been allowed to meet for the purpose of poppy making our fellow servicemembers and veterans no matter where twice a week for four hours at a time. In three months, they are. Allowing Legionnaires and Sons members at Post the men produced 10,000 flowers. and Squadron 201 to make poppies for the ALA is one “We have a quality control, where we go through them example of this,” Abrahamson said. all and make sure the labels are on right. We want to Poppy making is just one form of goodwill outreach make sure the quality is good. It’s our calling card, with accomplished by members, and dual members, of Post and respect to the Legion Family organizations,” Ciccone Squadron 201. Among their other efforts is cleaning the explained. “It’s a symbol of our veterans’ long history toys for children who come to the correctional center for within war service, and I’m a little emotional talking visitations, and refurbishing old or damaged bicycles which about it. It’s honoring those who came before us.” are later given to children in the community. Poppy making is a task that the men of this post and squadron take great pride in, he said. Proud to Make these Flowers “This is something greater, something important. This U.S. Air Force veteran Gary Proctor has been making helps veterans. This helps their families. We do it to serve poppies for the ALA since he moved into the Iowa Veterans others. We are not selfish in our pursuits. It’s about service,” Home in 1997. Ciccone continued. “It’s immense that [the Auxiliary’s “I’m 80 years old and I’m still going, making these Poppy Program] has that sort of impact nationally, and poppies. I’ll keep going until my hands won’t let me,” our little post is somehow tied into this grand program. Proctor said enthusiastically. “I could probably make We’re honored to be part of it. It’s humbling to be included them in my sleep after doing it for so many years. I wake in that conversation, that message, and this organization’s up sometimes and I realize I just dreamt about making outreach.” poppies!” “I’ll tell them what we His emotion over the red poppy Expressing our Patriotism is almost palpable. And it’s clear that Ryan Harrell, commander of use them for. I’ll tell Proctor puts his all into every flower he Squadron 201 at the Idaho State them what it’s about. I’ll produces. These days, he mostly makes Correctional Center, is also a poppy the large, long-stemmed red poppies. maker. talk about the American “It takes a lot of time and a lot of “The labels we put on every single Legion Auxiliary and how patience to make them. It’s a little pay, one of those flowers say ‘American we are the best but it’s not there to make money. It’s there Legion Family,’ and you know, families as therapy, to help us out. It’s been a big take care of each other. They support kept secret out there.” help for me. That’s one thing: You’ve gotta each other. They sacrifice for each keep yourself busy around here. That’s other. Our country’s veterans have made, and our why I got a job, and I make poppies. You’ll go crazy just servicemembers continue to make, that sacrifice. Now, it’s sitting around and looking at the four walls in here,” said our turn to do something for them,” Harrell said. Proctor, mentioning his part-time job delivering supplies to As for the poppy making done by members of Post staff at the veterans home where he lives. 201 and Squadron 201, Harrell said, “We don’t do it for Proctor’s poppy production averages at about 2,000 the recognition or anything else. We do it because it’s the per month. The task fits into his schedule. An early riser right thing to do. The people who the program supports most days, Proctor said he usually makes poppies in the are important to us. We’re patriotic. We found ways to morning, in his room, before starting his delivery job. express that.” Then, he makes more poppies in the afternoon and maybe Harrell’s maternal grandfather Bobby Max Ellison some more in the evenings. and his paternal grandfather Harold Harrell were U.S. “It keeps me busy. I’ve got a TV in my room. So I sit Army veterans. He considers his grandfathers, and other there, watch a program, and make poppies,” he explained. veterans and servicemembers, to be heroes. Proctor said he enjoys making the flowers for the ALA “We, as a post and a squadron, want to show our because he sees all that area Auxiliary members do for support and appreciation to all of these men and women. residents of the Iowa Veterans Home. We want them to know they’re in our hearts and minds, “They support us here with donations to the veterans that they’re not alone. Even in places they don’t expect, home. Then, they buy things, like medical equipment and they have support.” everything. And they come down and play bingo with us,” Charles “Abe” Abrahamson, adjutant for the Legion’s he said. “Yeah, I’m kind of proud to make these flowers for Department of Idaho, works closely with Post and the American Legion Auxiliary because I know they help Squadron 201. people all over who are like me.”

48 Auxiliary magazine | May 2020 www.ALAforVeterans.org Sharing the ALA Tie to the Poppy Like Proctor, poppy making is part of ALA member Ellen Nathan’s personal routine on most days. For her, the task is scheduled after her late morning/midday gym workout. She’s usually watching Dr. Oz or Judge Judy on TV while she assembles the flowers for a few hours. And if she knows she’ll be spending a lot of time in a waiting area such as a car repair shop, doctor’s office, or on an airplane, Nathan will bring her poppy making materials with her. Often, other people take notice. Those who are familiar with the red poppy’s widely accepted meaning thank her for making the flowers. “For the most part, people will sit there and discuss poppies with me. I’ll tell them what we use them for. I’ll tell them what it’s about. I’ll talk about the American Legion Auxiliary and how we are the best kept secret out there,” added Nathan, a member of ALA Unit 912 in Washington City, Utah. She serves as Poppy Committee chair for Unit 912 and the Department of Utah. “What moves me about the poppy is what we do with the money we collect when we distribute the flowers,” she continued. “It’s that sense of self-worth and value that comes from making those poppies, which then help us make a difference in the lives of our veterans.” Her production goal is to make 50 red poppies daily, and sometimes she exceeds that. Nathan estimates that she assembles 10,000 flowers annually. Given that level of production, it’s hard to believe there was a time when she didn’t know how to make the ALA’s red poppies. One day during her term as president of the ALA Department of Utah years ago, Nathan decided to ask a fellow Auxiliary member how to do it. “The first time I tried it on my own, at home, it was a little rough in the beginning. But eventually, I caught on as to how to do it. I absolutely love making poppies! I like things where I can see the end of the road, and where I can work on something and see the benefit of having done it. Making poppies is one of those things,” Nathan explained. Nathan’s been an ALA poppy maker for the past seven years. She doesn’t foresee herself giving up the task. Ciccone, Harrell, Proctor, and Nathan are ALA poppy makers with four different perspectives. But they each understand the power of the iconic flower and its important role in the American Legion Auxiliary’s longstanding mission of serving veterans, military, and their families. H By Landa Bagley, Staff Writer

POSITIVELY POPPIES (top to bottom): ALA Department of Indiana members Judy Morris and Cherril Threte make poppies; U.S. Air Force veteran Gary Proctor stands near a paper U.S. flag; Proctor makes a long-stemmed red poppy; (bottom two photos): Legionnaires and a Sons of The American Legion member of Post and Squadron 201, at the Idaho State Correctional Center. www.ALAforVeterans.org May 2020 | Auxiliary magazine 49 Building ALA brand loyalty unit, so they send an email to the one listed under contact information, and immediately, the email bounces back. They try the phone number listed — the person says they are no longer part of that unit. Dead ends. This, of course, is upsetting because they just want to help veterans, military, and their families, but the unit can’t take the time to make sure its contact information is up to date.

Update ‘about me’ section Make sure this part of your social media account contains current YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA BRANDING information. People need to get a quick IMPACTS PUBLIC PERCEPTION idea of who the Auxiliary is. Not sure Social media is everywhere and as “American Legion Auxiliary Unit what to write? Feel free to use parts or an important part of life for millions 123” or “American Legion Auxiliary all of what National Headquarters uses: around the world. It’s a great tool Unit.” There could be several pages just American Legion Auxiliary for both recruitment and retention like this. People aren’t going to take the members have dedicated themselves of ALA members. Many people time to do a deep-dive search to find for a century to meeting the needs of first turn to Facebook, Twitter, and you if it proves to be a challenge. our nation’s veterans, military, and Instagram to check out a person, The better way to label your unit their families both here and abroad. place, business, or organization. on social media: “American Legion They volunteer millions of hours Using social media correctly can Auxiliary Unit 1919, Greenwood, IN” yearly, with a value of nearly $1 billion. have a positive (or negative) impact or “American Legion Auxiliary Unit Auxiliary volunteers across the country on the American Legion Auxiliary’s 109, Two Harbors, MN.” also step up to honor veterans and brand to the public. Key parts of your name to have military through annual scholarships Properly naming your social on social media include your unit and with ALA Girls State programs, media accounts, providing current number, city, and state. There are teaching high school juniors to be contact information, an updated multiple units with the same unit leaders grounded in patriotism and “about me” section, and regularly number across the country, so Americanism. posting/updating photos can all go including city and state can set you To learn more about the Auxiliary’s a long way in branding your unit/ apart and ensures the public is able to mission or to volunteer, join, or donate, district/department to the public, reach out to the right unit. visit www.ALAforVeterans.org. which includes potential volunteers, And with the change to ALA members, and donors. membership eligibility that now Regular posting/updated photos includes male spouses, be sure not Simply having a Facebook, Twitter, Naming your account to label your page as “American or Instagram account is one thing. It’s Just imagine someone learns Legion Ladies Auxiliary” or “Women’s quite another to actively use it. You about your unit through a Auxiliary.” Be inclusive to the men don’t want someone to come to your community event or by word of in our ranks and their meaningful page and see the last post is from two mouth. They want to learn more, so membership! months ago. Keep the page updated naturally, they turn to the internet. with fresh content. Maybe you don’t have a website, Contact information You don’t have to post every single but they are positive you will be on The interested community day, but try to share information social media. They begin to search member finally found your Facebook regularly about what your unit/ but can’t find you. page — bravo! They are eager to district/department is doing in your Maybe it’s because your unit’s reach out to get more information community to serve veterans, military, social media account name is listed on volunteer opportunities with your and their families.

BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU POST A Facebook page for your unit and a personal social media page are very different. Try to be extra mindful of what you post on your unit/district/department pages, especially with elections coming up. Be sure you don’t go one-sided when using this account. The ALA was created a century ago as a nonpartisan organization, and we will remain one. Don’t change that intent by posting political statements!

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FROM ALA GIRLS STATE while serving in the state Senate. Her country through government leadership. AND ALA GIRLS NATION TO accomplishments are recognized Debate from both programs also MAKING A MARK IN POLITICS nationally: She was named to Forbes prepared me well for floor debate in the Nebraska Sen. magazine’s 30 under 30 list for Law & Nebraska Legislature. Julie Slama attended Policy 2020. Why should girls attend ALA Girls ALA Cornhusker How have your experiences State? Girls should attend ALA Girls Girls State and ALA at ALA Girls State and ALA State for the in-depth exposure to the Girls Nation in 2013. Girls Nation helped you in your mechanics of government, leadership A few years later, she career? ALA Girls State and ALA development, and lifelong friendships. became a Nebraska state senator at Girls Nation reinforced my interest Is there anything else you would age 22, becoming the youngest female in politics and making a positive like to add? Without the support of senator in state’s history. Even more impact on my community, state, these programs, I would not be serving remarkable, in her first legislative and nation. It also instilled within in the Nebraska Legislature. These two session, she passed three of the four me a deep appreciation for those programs are life-changing for young bills she introduced. who have served our country in the women. It’s a privilege to be counted Slama, who graduated from Yale armed forces, along with those who among the alumnae of ALA Girls State University, is pursuing her law degree have answered the call to serve their and ALA Girls Nation.

52 Auxiliary magazine | May 2020 www.ALAforVeterans.org ALA SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS WHERE ARE THEY NOW? SCHOLARSHIPS HELP and what it STEER SISTERS DOWN really takes to keep the CAREER PATHS Sisters Sydney and Tymber United States Long joined the American Legion free,” Tymber Auxiliary together in 2014 — a said. testament to the bond they formed Shortly during their father’s multiple after ALA deployments over 23 years of Girls State service in the National Guard. and while “My sister, mom, and I got thinking super close when my dad got about college, deployed,” Tymber explained. Tymber “He missed a lot of the milestones and Sydney growing up, which was tough, applied for but now my sister and I are the national inseparable. You get closer to your ALA siblings and learn to lean on one Children of Warriors another.” MILITARY FAMILIES (top, clockwise): the Longs — Amy, Tymber, Sydney, Though their father’s absences National and Mark; Tymber, with Mark, celebrates receiving her undergraduate presented challenges, they also Presidents’ degree; Sydney cheers for the University of Nebraska football team. made the sisters stronger, more Scholarship. patriotic individuals. They are Both were successful — each becoming “This scholarship gave me the extremely proud and thankful for one of just 15 students across the opportunity to study abroad — the sacrifices their father made. nation to receive the scholarship, something that would never have “My dad’s service obviously Tymber in 2015 and Sydney in 2017. been possible without outside help,” had a big impact on my life, so any Tymber went on to receive an Sydney said. way I can help a veteran and get undergraduate degree from Bentley Sydney is currently a junior at involved in my own community, I University in managerial economics the University of Nebraska pursuing want to do it,” Sydney said. and law. She finished her MBA at the an undergraduate degree in Both joined the Auxiliary University of Nebraska and started in hospitality, tourism, and marketing. because it gave them an outlet to an accelerated law school program. She is also a member of a sales show their gratitude to those who Her goal is to work in compliance and club at the college of business and have sacrificed so much for our contract law for a U.S. Department belongs to the Husker Cheer Squad. country. of Veterans Affairs clinic, veterans Both Tymber and Sydney were “I’ve been involved with a service organization, or university. touched by the generosity of the variety of different volunteer Without scholarships, many American Legion Auxiliary. efforts for veterans,” Sydney said, students would not have the “To be awarded the Children “and this group is second to none opportunity to pursue a secondary of Warriors National Presidents’ when it comes to serving and education. Scholarship meant that there are giving back to those who have “There is a disconnect between people out there who have military served us.” the cost of college and what a student families and children in their Sydney and Tymber both could reasonably afford,” Tymber said. hearts,” Tymber said. “I am honored participated in the ALA Girls State “Scholarships like this bridge that gap to be a recipient of such support and program in Nebraska, which had a and alleviate some of that burden.” generosity, and I look forward to my profound impact on them. In addition to giving students the chance to pay it forward someday.” “We learned a lot about state chance to pursue college, scholarships “It really has changed my government, getting involved, and can be what allows a student an life,” Sydney added. “I would not speaking up. We learned about opportunity to further enrich their be able to go to college without being advocates for your opinions college experience. scholarships.”

You can support talented and passionate students like Tymber and Sydney by donating to national ALA scholarship funds: www.ALAforVeterans.org/Donate. Wanted! If you are a past recipient of an ALA national scholarship, contact us at [email protected]. www.ALAforVeterans.org May 2020 | Auxiliary magazine 53 A wise PERSON SAID After designing Commander in Chief of the United Jonson, eligible for ALA an award given to States Armed Forces, but Jonson membership through her father, Dr. the President of can. A nonprofit organization George T. Wohl, a U.S. Army captain the United States, reached out to her to create an in World War II, is a member of Nebraska sculptor award for the president that Nebraska Unit 199 and has a deep and American Legion delivers the organization’s mission, passion for the military and the Auxiliary member while also creating a remarkable Auxiliary’s mission. After her father’s Sondra Jonson now work of art. honorable discharge from the Army, has three sculptures in one of During her 31 years as a he continued to support the military the most important buildings in professional sculptor, Jonson has community by volunteering his America: the White House. installed over 100 large sculptures weekends at local U.S. Department Not many artists can say for clients throughout America of Veterans Affairs hospitals, and their work has been seen by the and in Europe. that set an example for Jonson.

SONDRA JONSON After college, where I majored in son’s funeral. art, someone advised me to talk to And the town Describe your ALA experience. a master sculptor named EvAngelos got together and One day, one of my neighbors, an Frudakis. He had just started his own said they would Auxiliary member, knocked on my art school in Philadelphia [where I like to have this door. She said, “Well, we found out lived] so I went to talk to him. as a monument, you’re eligible to be in the Auxiliary. I wanted to do portraits of people, and that’s how Would you like to be?” And I was like, and he told me I should sculpt I was able to do “Yes, I would love to be!” the human figure because I would the monument I was so excited to just be a part understand it better for my paintings of my small of what these women do. Most of and drawings. So, that is how I sculpture Going them are widows, or wives of WWII started sculpting. And I thought, Hey Home. or Korean War veterans. And you — I like this — and I can do this. It’s not a big know that sense of honor, service, money-making and sacrifice? That is just who they What has been your most meaningful sculpture? career, but I get are, and it’s just such a pleasure to be to do something a part of it. With every large sculpture, I create smaller replicas. And we had a few that really How has the Auxiliary impacted additional small bronze sculptures touches people, your life? of the Fallen Soldier sculpture called and that’s a The ALA has definitely enriched Going Home. It’s basically an angelic blessing. my life — just being a part of figure taking a fallen soldier to heaven How has being an ALA member something that is so big and so with the American flag kind of influenced your sculpting career? positive. There is nothing negative flowing underneath. My work is very classic, so in that about the Auxiliary, nothing partisan. So, we had a few additional classic tradition, the same values and The ALA is totally just our country small bronze sculptures of the ideals in the Auxiliary were sort of and our people. Everybody has a son, Fallen Soldier, and I decided to just a part of my sculpting: respect for a daughter, a father, or someone who enter it into a contest in Sioux Falls, the military, respect for the country, is a part of the U.S. military, so the North Dakota. The sculpture was respect for tradition. Auxiliary is all of us. on display outdoors, and there was It just reinforces that it’s such a How did you become a professional a couple celebrating their wedding privilege to create art for the veterans, sculptor? anniversary who came out to look for the military, and to communicate My parents loved art and took at it. They loved the sculpture, but to the rest of the community the [me and my siblings] to art museums they thought it was kind of eerie, yet heroic importance of the military before we could even walk, so I they were still drawn to it. Well, the and their families. That is such an fell in love with art really early. My couple found out their oldest son was important message, and I get to be a dream was to be an artist. I just killed in action that day, while they part of it, so I want to do the very best never envisioned myself as a sculptor were looking at the sculpture. I can. They’ve given so much to us, because I didn’t think I had what it The couple ended up displaying and so many have given up so much takes. I didn’t think I had the talent. the Fallen Soldier sculpture at their for us.

54 Auxiliary magazine | May 2020 www.ALAforVeterans.org AMERICAN LEGION FAMILY news WORKING TOGETHER AS A FAMILY The National Headquarters of both The American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary have been meeting Saving money regularly to increase brand awareness and loyalty, membership, and find on dental care activities where the Family can work together. Some of the ideas are long- has never range goals that will be implemented over time. Others are starting right away. been easier.

Advertising One big development is joint advertising. At the end of 2019, The Careington Dental Discount Plan electronic billboards promoting The for American Legion Auxiliary members American Legion Family appeared in offers you savings on your dental care, New York City’s Times Square. The ads including routine oral exams, cleanings were displayed during Thanksgiving and major dental work. week and between Christmas and New THIS IS NOT INSURANCE. Year’s Day, which are high-traffic times in that area. Currently, billboards for several locations across the country are in the works and will feature actual Sign up for a plan today! members of The American Legion ala.solutionssimplified.com Family. So be on the lookout!

Sharing stories Legionnaires will see more stories organization for a grant. In an effort to departments. about the American Legion Auxiliary to bring awareness to the Auxiliary Both teams are also working in Legion magazine, including an Emergency Fund and The American together on Buddy Checks. These upcoming article about the ALA’s Legion National Emergency Fund, activities have helped Legion members centennial celebration. Auxiliary information for both programs can across the country, and can be a project magazine will also continue to include be found on The American Legion for Auxiliary units to get on board with stories about The American Legion. website and the American Legion too. Buddy Checks can be done as a Auxiliary website. Legion Family in post homes. ALA Branding Game The ALA Branding Game is being Membership New Family website revised to not only feature the Auxiliary, Membership teams are working A new URL has been created: but the entire Legion Family. The game together to help American Legion www.TheAmericanLegionFamily.org includes a senior member edition posts that do not have an Auxiliary takes users to a landing page with and one for Juniors/young Sons of unit. Currently, about 4,600 Legion links for all brands under The The American Legion. Both levels posts are without an ALA unit. To American Legion Family. The site teach branding, how it applies to The encourage new ALA units, “how to” helps potential members have a better American Legion Family, and why information is being disseminated understanding of our brands. branding is important. Visit one of The American Legion’s enewsletters Helping members These electronic publications contain useful information for the with disaster relief entire Legion Family. Many ALA members may be aware of the The American Legion Auxiliary and Online Update and Commander’s Message, but several more The American Legion have programs enewsletters are available. One that may be of interest to ALA to aid members who are the victims of members is Training in The American Legion, which focuses on best practices, a disaster. Sometimes a family in need creative thinking, and ideas that demonstrate the importance of The American includes members of both organizations, Legion. To subscribe, go to www.legion.org/newsletters. so those families can apply to each

www.ALAforVeterans.org May 2020 | Auxiliary magazine 55 MISSION matters SUPPORTING ALA’S MISSION WITH A LONG-TERM MEMBERSHIP How being Paid Up For Life supports our community of volunteers serving veterans, military, and their families

The reasons for making the revenue, making possible the Consider gifting a PUFL commitment to becoming a Paid continuation of mission and related membership Up For Life (PUFL) member of the programs. Instead of projecting Do you know someone who American Legion Auxiliary may vary a one-year commitment in dues, would be honored to receive a PUFL for each person. But there’s one thing the ALA can project long-range membership as a gift? This is how every PUFL has in common — their revenue. several current PUFLs received membership ensures the Auxiliary A PUFL membership their membership, including ALA can continue to serve the mission demonstrates a lifelong commitment National President Nicole Clapp. into the future. to the American Legion Auxiliary “I was fortunate to receive PUFL Pronounced “puffle” in informal and veterans, military, and their membership as a gift from my Unit ALA terms, PUFL members are families. “As a fairly new member 127 in Gladbrook, Iowa, before I took important to the longevity of the back in 2000, I became impressed it upon myself to fulfill a commitment organization. By having PUFL with the American Legion Auxiliary I had planned to do. It is an honor memberships, the Auxiliary can mission. It aligned with my passion to support and give back to the count on a certain amount of to serve our veterans, children, and organization in which I was raised. community,” said Cherril Threte of I am very proud of my 45 years of Why did you become a PUFL? Indiana. “It was worth every penny.” membership, of which four years and “I knew I would never For Kat Kessler of Illinois, her hopefully many decades to come are want to not belong, so PUFL membership demonstrates as a PUFL.” I figured this was the her appreciation for veterans. “I am easiest way to keep a PUFL and proud of it. When I from ever forgetting decided to make the commitment to renew.” to join the ALA, it was for life. — Loretta Shellman Veterans gave their lives for this great country and our freedom, “To honor those who and the least I could do was commit sacrificed everything to serve them for the remainder for our freedom.” of mine.” — Deborah Guenter In addition to showing a commitment to the ALA and the “I am a PUFL, as I mission, there are several other Paid Up For Life: National President Nicole wanted to show a benefits to becoming a PUFL Clapp with her PUFL membership card. lifelong commitment member: to the organization.” • Pay once and never be For Noelle Bonjour of South — Darlene Johnson concerned about your dues Dakota, a PUFL membership was a gift that demonstrated her family’s “My grandma made again. You won’t have to worry commitment to the ALA. “When herself, my mom, and about forgetting to renew your me PUFL members membership. PUFLs first became available, around the time I was • A rate change in dues won’t Grandma paid for Mom’s. Years later, department Junior affect you. The PUFL rate is my mom, in turn, paid for mine. I president. It was a way calculated based on the current dues have no kids of my own, but I do to honor us, knowing rate. hope to someday pass on the tradition we would continue to • The honor of being committed and pay the PUFL membership for be active in years to the American Legion Auxiliary someone else.” to come.” for a lifetime! To make your commitment in — Darla Davidson • Lifetime subscription to becoming a PUFL member, go to Auxiliary magazine. www.ALAforVeterans.org/Joining.

56 Auxiliary magazine | May 2020 www.ALAforVeterans.org American Legion Auxiliary social media Visit our social media at www.ALAforVeterans.org/social-media

A SPECIAL UNVEILING AT ALA HEADQUARTERS! OUR 100TH BIRTHDAY To honor our members, our legacy, and the important people we CELEBRATIONS CONTINUE! serve, we had something very special created! A shadow box originally curated for the Auxiliary’s 75th anniversary was enhanced to @Claudia Goodin commemorate our 100th anniversary. Inside are mementos showing Unit 5 from the Department the ALA’s history timeline and our significant mission moments of of Missouri celebrated the serving veterans, military, and their families. The next time you’re in centennial by participating in a chili cookoff! Indianapolis, stop by National Headquarters and take a look!

@ALAforVeterans National President Nicole Clapp and 100th Anniversary Committee Chair Linda Newsome unveil the centennial shadowbox in a video.

Keep up with the latest news between issues of Auxiliary magazine. Follow us on social media @ALAforVeterans.

Join our growing list of followers on social media: Facebook: 23,313 Twitter: 2,581 Instagram: 1,817

Auxiliary’s Sudoku answers from page 26:

Share your centennial celebrations on Facebook by using #ALA100Celebration. Your photos may appear on the @ALAforVeterans Facebook page! www.ALAforVeterans.org May 2020 | Auxiliary magazine 57 THE LAST word

“With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts.” — Eleanor Roosevelt, Former First Lady of the United States

(Photo: Isaac Hale/The Daily Herald via AP)

Resilience. It’s a word often used when describing members of The American Legion Family. Following a major weather-related event, for example, an American flag surrounded by a debris-filled scene always appears hours later — and someone from the Legion Family probably put it there. We come together in times of duress, stress, and need, always in the name of helping others. Through spring this year, the COVID-19 crisis was no exception. Despite its strict bans, our Legion Family grew stronger, and our collective missions of serving veterans, military, and their families never wavered.

Above: In this Feb. 19 photo, Keith Hall, of Lehi, Utah, commander of American Legion Post 49 in American Fork, hugs Olive O’Mara after she posed for a portrait at River Meadows Senior Living in Alpine, Utah. O’Mara was born Feb. 21, 1920.

58 Auxiliary magazine | May 2020 www.ALAforVeterans.org A Community of Volunteers Serving Veterans, Military, and their Families

Number of people hosted at ALA National Headquarters Auxiliary Emergency Fund Grant for leadership planning meetings, event Applications Since Sept. 1, 2019: training, and committee connections: 95 Grants Requested 659 80 Grants Approved (Numbers compiled from early 2018 to today.)

ALA followers on social media = $110,260.87 @alaforveterans Facebook: 23,401 Number of Disaster Relief Grants: Twitter: 2,599 25 Grants Requested Instagram: 1,825 19 Grants Approved The American Legion’s 101st birthday was celebrated 101 March 15. Local post homes = $33,202.89 and American Legion Donate today to help ALA members in need Auxiliary units will also celebrate their charter birthdays throughout the year. at www.ALAforVeterans.org/donate Nonproﬁ t Org. U.S. Postage Paid Bolingbrook, IL Permit No. 2046

American Legion Auxiliary National Headquarters 0 Founders oad, ndianapolis, N 2 A uiy lur ri ra iliary a ir aili R ’ ® The American Legion Auxiliary The American Legion Family adopted the red poppy as its will distribute poppies in ofﬁ cial remembrance ﬂ ower in the remembrance, honor, and support early 1920s, following World War I. of our U.S. veterans, military,

and their families. On National Poppy Day , the Friday before Memorial Day, Donations collected on National Poppy Day will be used to directly assist disabled and hospitalized veterans in our communities. Learn how you can participate, including how to make poppies: www.ALAforVeterans.org/poppy