American Legion and Auxiliary National Convention In August 2003, the 83rd American Legion and Auxiliary National Convention took place in St. Louis, Mo. John A. Brieden III, of Brinham, Texas, was elected the American Legion National Commander. Katherine Morris, of Houston, Texas, was endorsed and elected president. She served many years at all levels of the Auxiliary organization. Along with several chairmanships, she has served as unit, district and department president. Her theme is “Helping hands, Educating the youth, Achieving membership goals, Rehabilitation of our veterans, Total commitment, and Success in all our endeavors (H.E.A.R.T.S. in Service). The American Legion Auxiliary is a patriotic women’s service organization of nearly one million members. The Auxiliary was founded in 1919 to support the work of the American Legion. The organization sponsors volunteer programs on the national and local levels. Volunteering focuses on veterans, young people, and community members. Legion Auxiliary visits VA medical center Volunteer members Ruby Justison, Alice Von Ende, Jan Nelson and Ann Hamilton visited the St. Cloud Veterans Medical Center Building 51 Monday, Oct. 27. There they assisted with the monthly birthday party for the veterans. October birthdays were Jeanne W., James M., Lewis M., Junior F., and George J. The family of Junior F. was present to help him celebrate his birthday. Everyone at the event enjoyed refreshments with chocolate cake, chocolate bars and Halloween cookies served by the Auxiliary volunteers. Sandi Smith baked the bars. There were 32 veterans and guests present for the afternoon activities. The activities center chairman Mike was present with Halloween trivia for the veterans. The next volunteer day is Veterans Armistice Day, Tuesday, Nov. 11. A patriotic program will be presented for veterans, guests and volunteers. Legion and Auxiliary hold monthly meetings The members of the American Legion and Auxiliary held their monthly meetings Tuesday, Oct. 28. The Legion meeting was presided by Sec. Adj. Paul Hierner. The Auxiliary meeting was presided by President Sandi Smith. Business meetings were conducted following opening ceremonies. The Auxiliary donated $50 to the Kingston Lions to help sponsor the annual Christmas party in Kingston Saturday, Dec. 13, when Santa Claus will be on hand for children to visit. The Auxiliary also contributed to all the Legion Veterans programs for the year, including the Christmas gift program for veterans, children and families. The gifts are chosen by veterans, and then wrapped and mailed by Auxiliary volunteers during the first part of December. The annual Christmas party for Legion and Auxiliary members and spouses is planned to take place Sunday, Dec. 7. A pot luck dinner will begin at 6 p.m., followed by a gift exchange and Bingo. Lunch at the monthly meeting was served by Dorothy Jensen and Jan Nelson. The American Legion Auxiliary National News reports that there are 53,984 Auxiliary members in Minnesota. Our district president is Marlys Froland, and the district legion commander is Merlin Ellefson. Submitted by
