Legion Auxiliary at 99th State Convention

The Kimball American Legion Auxiliary attended the 99th State Convention in Rochester, Minn., July 19-21. Auxiliary members from Kimball representing the American Legion Auxiliary Unit #261 were LuAnn Marschel, Dori Hamilton, Carol Santone Royal and Renee Berscheid.

Donna Arends of Willmar, Minn., State President of the American Legion Auxiliary, presided. The Honorable Mayor Ardell Brede of Rochester brought his greetings. Honorary Department Junior President Courtney Rogat, a member of the Bloomington Unit #550, brought greetings from the Junior (members who are under the age of 18) Auxiliary.

Special highlights of this convention were hearing the reports from each department chairman and who received awards. I’m very pleased to share with everyone that the Kimball Unit received a Certificate of Achievement award for the Best Unit Report in public relations. Our unit also received Certificates of Merit in the following programs: Children and Youth, Poppy, Past President’s Parley, National Security, Memorial, Legislation, Leadership, Junior Activities, History, and Education.

Dori Hamilton and Carol Santone Royal served as the Sixth District Color Bearers. Renee Berscheid carried the Past National President’s flags for Mrs. Chris Nelson. LuAnn Marschel served as installing Sergeant-at-Arms. Each one of us was assigned to a committee or two and we reported back to our District if there were any resolutions, recommendations, or if our District received any awards.

On Friday evening, there was a parade. Dori Hamilton and Carol Santone Royal carried the Sixth District Colors in the parade. After the parade, everyone was invited to the park behind the Convention Center (Mayo Park) for a picnic, celebrating 100 years of the American Legion. There was food, beverages and music. At dusk, we saw fireworks and the Ninth District Band played. It was a beautiful evening.

On Saturday, new officers were elected. They are: President–Jean Walker, First Vice President–Mary Hendrickson, and Second Vice President–Patti Coleman.

The Convention adjourned, and the new officers were installed.

Submitted by

Renee Berscheid

First Vice President Unit #261