|
We Are Commited To America!
|
|
| Vi Williams, Third District Auxiliary President |
| | ALA e-News - connecting with you monthly
July 2010
|
64th Annual ALA Girls Nation Session
Begins Saturday 
For six decades, the American Legion Auxiliary has provided young women with a citizenship training program that is second to none: Girls Nation. This unique experience held every summer in
the nation's capital is designed to provide practical
insight into how the federal government works,
to instill a sense of pride and loyalty in America
and create friendships and memories that last a lifetime.
Keep up with Girls Nation by following our real-time
updates and pics on our blog and Facebook page!
|
| | Revised Junior Activities Handbook
Available 
It's here--your newly revised Junior Activities Handbook! On the outside, you'll see a flashy,
modern cover. On the inside you'll see pictures of real Junior Auxiliary members, information on cell phone etiquette during meetings, updates
on youth programs and ceremonies, a new Resources section and
more. The Junior Activities Handbook is available for $1.50 through
Emblem Sales, or you can download the PDF for free here. Questions? Contact us. |
Member Benefit Spotlight: Turn Your
Vacations into Donations 
Without any new expenditures, you can support the American Legion Auxiliary. Simply book all of
your planned travel on your Auxiliary's Booking Site.
Now
your state department can earn significant income from ALA Travels. In case you missed the news, click here to learn about the new partnership between the national and department levels. This is an exciting opportunity for your department
to benefit from American Legion Auxiliary Travels.
|
Keep the Spirit of '45 Alive
"Keep the Spirit of '45 Alive" is a yearlong national campaign to raise public awareness
about the 65th anniversary of World War II and to inspire a renewed commitment to service and national unity in America.
A coalition of organizations and individuals has been formed
to achieve three key objectives during the national campaign that begins Aug. 14 which marks the 65th anniversary of the end of WWII. Learn more by visiting the Spirit
of '45 website. Send photos of your celebration by clicking here. |
Eyesight Group Helps Veterans in Stand
Down
OneSight volunteers and doctors in Chicago provided much needed
eye care for 334 Chicago-area veterans as part of an annual Stand Down event last month. Hosted by the VA, Stand Down is held
for veterans of all armed services. The majority of veterans who benefit from the program are homeless. Read more here.
EyeMed
Vision Care, an Auxiliary member benefit provider, is a sponsor of OneSight, a family of charitable vision care programs dedicated
to improving vision through outreach, research and education.
|
| | |
|
Support the ALA Foundation just by searching the Internet with GoodSearch.com (powered by Yahoo!) or shopping online with GoodShop.com! |
Pass it on: Encourage your friends to sign up for e-News for the latest updates on how the American Legion Auxiliary serves veterans,
their families and their communities! The Auxiliary will never sell or share your email address with anyone. Period. So please
help us grow our e-News. It's fast, informative and safe! |
|
| | |
|
American Legion Auxiliary National Headquarters | 8945 N. Meridian St. | Indianapolis
| IN | 46260 |
| | ALA e-News - connecting with you monthly
May 2010
|
Poppy Reminds Us of Veterans' Past Sacrifices, Continuing Needs 
As recently highlighted in the May 2010 issue of Ladies' Home Journal, the American Legion Auxiliary poppy is a great tribute to America's servicemembers. This
symbol of sacrifice is made by veterans for veterans.
In 1923, the poppy became the official flower of The American
Legion Family in memory of soldiers who fought on the battlefields of Belgium during World War I. Each year around Memorial
Day, Auxiliary volunteers distribute millions of bright red poppies in exchange for contributions to assist disabled and hospitalized
veterans. In recent years, the average donation per poppy was 45 cents. Clearly, there is room for an increase in poppy donations!
You can help support the poppy program and the disabled or hospitalized veterans who make them by donating to the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival, an event co-sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary. NVCAF is an annual gathering of talent in the arts for veterans
treated in the VA's national healthcare system. Click here for the American Legion Auxiliary's online giving form.
See the Volume II issue of Auxiliary magazine for helpful tips on sharing the poppy story. |
| Now Online
|  | Your Volume II issue of Auxiliary
magazine is now on the Web. Flip through it here. |
|
| VIMs Now Called PUFLs
In
the past, lifetime members were sometimes referred to as VIMs, an acronym for Very Important Members. In order to be consistent
with the original NEC resolution for this program, these members will now be identified as Paid-Up-For-Life (PUFL) members.
"We're not changing the name; we're simply calling the program by the name specified in the resolution," said National
Treasurer Marta Hedding. "The name 'VIMs' was questioned in a recent survey, and as many members pointed out, every member
is important." Questions? Contact us.
|
Awareness Day is May 6
The fifth annual
National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day raises the understanding of effective programs for children's mental health
needs, demonstrates how children's mental health initiatives promote positive youth development, recovery and resilience,
and shows how children with mental health needs thrive in their communities.
Though Awareness Day includes more
than 40 nonprofit organizations, associations and federal and state government agencies, the American Legion Auxiliary is
the first organization involved that focuses on the unique needs of the children of our nation's military heroes. Local Awareness
Day events will take place throughout May in the departments of New York, Ohio, Michigan and Oregon. Activities
vary by department, and politicians in Michigan and New York have declared their support for the American Legion Auxiliary
and its Awareness Day efforts this year. For more information about the event, click here. |
2010 Scholarship Recipients Announced 
The American Legion Auxiliary knows that when people feel better, they
do better. And definitely, having financial pressures lifted helps people feel better! That's why we think it is important
to present scholarships to folks connected with our organization. We hear time and again how receiving a scholarship makes
a huge difference in a person's life, providing unimagined experiences and opportunities. Recipients often express their sense
of relief, gratitude and motivation. In the long run, we all feel better knowing we've helped someone else and scholarships
do that. Click here for a list of our 2010 scholarship recipients.
|
Be the First to Know about Our New Website
Coming
soon to a computer near you - true stories about real people...like Army veteran Scott Ford. After receiving amazing support
from American Legion Auxiliary members while recovering at Walter Reed from injuries suffered in Iraq, Ford enjoyed an awe-inspiring
welcome-home celebration thanks to The Legion Family in Athens, Ohio. Stories like his and more will all be there on your
new ALA website.
You'll be among
the first to check it out when you receive the special e-blast announcement of our "go live" date all because you
receive ALA e-News. Forward this email to your friends who need to know!
New website. New format. Knew you'd want to
know!
|
Vote Now! The American Legion Enters Pepsi Refresh Everything Contest
The American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund is competing for a
$250,000 grant to be awarded by the Pepsi Beverage Co. as part of its Refresh Everything Project this month. The winning charities
are determined by the amount of votes received on the Refresh Everything website. The American Legion's Operation Comfort Warriors finished in first place during
February's voting and was awarded the top grant of $250,000 for that month.
"It's
time to come to the aid of another group of deserving people: those whose parents paid the ultimate price and sacrificed their
lives while serving in our military during the War on Terrorism," said The American Legion National Commander Clarence
E. Hill. "The American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund ensures that the children of these fallen heroes will be able to
attend college and not have to worry about the rising cost of higher education. We can support the children of these heroes
simply by voting every day throughout the month of May. The process will cost you nothing, but the reward can truly make a
difference."
Vote now by clicking here! And remember to vote every day!
|
Member Benefits: Save on Your Next Move
Moving? It's that time of year again: houses are going up for
sale, the school year is coming to an end, and it is time to start getting estimates for your upcoming move. Moving discounts are available for American Legion Auxiliary members! Call
the professionals at North American Van Lines for all of your moving, storage, or auto shipping needs. They have trained moving
consultants ready to put together free moving quotes and answer all of your questions.
Discounts are transferable to friends and family. For
more information, call (800) 524-5533 or visit the website for your free, in-home estimate. |
| MyVetwork to Launch Video Library for Veterans 
MyVetwork, an American Legion Auxiliary mission-compatible organization, is preparing to launch a new video sharing site for veterans
and their families in June. Taking a fresh and unique approach to transition from military to civilian life, the all-new video
library of compelling member narratives will prove invaluable to others about to follow in their footsteps - in other words,
narratives by veterans and their families for veterans and their families.
If you'd like to be part of it, you are invited to create your own short narratives describing your experiences
with transition - whether you personally or your spouse transitioned out of the military. MyVetwork is especially interested
in how you feel now; how you previously felt; what you did to overcome particular challenges; what you're having trouble finding
a solution for; a helpful tip you'd like to share, and so on. Narratives will generally fit within one of the four transition
phases MyVetwork has identified on its new site.
If you'd like to participate, email Jay Chalnick, MyVetwork director of partnerships, and he will send you an easy-to-follow outline of what they're looking for (including
the four phases of transition they've identified) and how to upload your videos. |
Moms Challenged with Leaving the Combat Zone Behind 
For many women, returning home from war means a new challenge:
being moms again.
More than 212,000 women have served in Iraq or Afghanistan, 11 percent of the total deployed
military force. Forty percent of active-duty women have children. And more than 30,000 single mothers have been deployed to
the war zone, according to Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. Click here to read a story profiling moms in the military. |
|
|
Support the ALA Foundation just by searching the Internet with GoodSearch.com (powered by Yahoo!) or shopping online with GoodShop.com! |
Pass it on: Encourage your friends to sign up for e-News for the latest updates on how the American Legion Auxiliary serves veterans,
their families and their communities! The Auxiliary will never sell or share your email address with anyone. Period. So please
help us grow our e-News. It's fast, informative and safe! |
|
| | |
|
| ALA e-News - connecting with you monthly
March
2010
|
Awareness Assembly: The American
Legion Family United
The 29th annual American
Legion Auxiliary Awareness Assembly, held Feb. 28 through March 3 in Washington, D.C., focused on partnerships with organizations
that support the Auxiliary's mission to Serve Veterans, Their Families and Their Communities.
National President Rita Navarreté presented Ride 2 Recovery with the Auxiliary's Public Spirit Award which recognizes outstanding individuals and organizations for contributions that
positively impact communities through service to our military, veterans and their families. The 90th Anniversary event also
included a touching performance by NVCAF participant Malene Bailey, featured on page 42 of your recent Auxiliary magazine.
A series of speakers enlightened attendees
with sessions on current national security and critical veterans' issues such as the VA's comprehensive plan to end homelessness
among veterans.
At the Commander's Call, a joint session with The
American Legion, VA Secretary Eric Shinseki outlined the VA's top priorities and several members of Congress addressed pressing
veterans affairs legislation. Attendees then ascended on Capitol Hill to meet with members of Congress.
A complete agenda, speaker bios and presentations can be found on the Auxiliary's Web site. To see photos from the event, visit the American Legion Auxiliary National Headquarters Facebook page. |
| | Now Online |  | Your Volume II issue of Auxiliary magazine is
online! Flip through it here. |
For God and Country Since 1919
|  | |
|
| Write a Glowing Review about the American Legion Auxiliary
- Deadline March 31!
Nonprofit rating giant Guidestar and organizational effectiveness
leader GreatNonprofits, in partnership with the Silver Star Families of America and the Coalition for Iraq and Afghanistan
Veterans, are collecting news from YOU about great nonprofits serving the many needs of our veterans in today's world.
You can share your positive
experiences about how the American Legion Auxiliary is outstanding and deserving of an excellent rating by Guidestar. Your
participation in this campaign helps identify and recognize the top-rated veterans nonprofits. Click here to write a glowing review about the national American
Legion Auxiliary. Hurry - the campaign ends March 31.
|
Women's History Month: 2 Trailblazing Women Reflect Americanism in Action
The American Legion Auxiliary promotes
Americanism, and these two women embodied what the ALA continues today--promoting reverence for God and Country.
Susan B. Anthony - Suffragist and Abolitionist
Suffragist
Susan B. Anthony's face is on a U.S. dollar coin and her statue is in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda. Raised a Quaker, her father
owned a cotton mill and refused to buy cotton from farmers who owned slaves. Anthony's religious upbringing instilled in her
the concept that everyone is equal before God and motivated her to crusade for freedom for slaves and a woman's right to vote.
Anthony endured armed threats, objects thrown at her, and was hung in effigy by hateful mobs. After the Civil War, Anthony
worked hard for the passage of the 13th, 14th and 15th Amendments. She succeeded in having women admitted to the University
of Rochester and was arrested for voting in the 1872 Presidential Election. Fourteen years after her death in March 1906,
women won the right to vote. Read an extended bio on Anthony here.
Juliette Low - Girl Scouts FounderGirl Scouts were founded by Juliette Low in March 1912 in Savannah, Ga. Remember when "Savannahs" were one of the cookie types?
Girl Scouts may participate in a council-approved "gift of caring" program that allows girls to collect donations
of cookies for military personnel serving overseas. The Girl Scouts founder came from a military family. Juliette Low's father
was a U.S.. Army general. In the Spanish-American War, Juliette Low and her mother organized a convalescent hospital for wounded
soldiers returning from Cuba. After her husband's death in 1905, Juliette Low traveled to England where, in 1911, she met
Boer War hero Sir Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the Boy Scouts. They became engaged, but the wedding was later cancelled.
Returning to America, Juliette Low founded Girl Scouts. She died of breast cancer in 1927 and was buried in her uniform. Happy 98th birthday to the Girl Scouts which began with 18 girls and have grown to more than 3 million today.
The World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts reaches 10 million girls and young women in 145 countries. The Girl Scout
oath evolved into today's Girl Scout promise: "On my honor I will try to do my duty to God and my country, to help other
people every day, and to obey the Girl Scout rules." |
Pepsi Refresh Everything Project: Continue Voting at Pepsi's Site for Veterans Programs
There
is power in the numbers of the American Legion Auxiliary Family. Last month, we played a big role in voting for The American
Legion Family's Operation Comfort Warriors in the Pepsi Refresh Everything Project. Though the official results will not be
announced until later this month, Operation Comfort Warriors was in first place to win the Pepsi Challenge grant of $250,000
for the month of February when the voting ended! Thanks to all of our Auxiliary members who voted every day!
This month, another veterans program is competing
for the March Pepsi Refresh Everything Challenge Grant Project: MyVetwork, a mission-compatible organization whose "Vet Effect" project helps veterans be prepared for today's civilian workforce.
Let's develop the habit of voting each month
for good mission-match causes to win a $250,000 Pepsi Refresh Everything grant. Vote for MyVetwork today by clicking here.
Set up your Pepsi account today for future polls. Stay tuned - there may be an
American Legion Auxiliary project competing for a $250,000 Pepsi grant through this easy online voting program! |
Be in-the-know: New, Little Used VA Programs 
Aid and
Attendance
A little known and little used
Veterans Administration program can help low income, disabled veterans receive needed medical, nursing and home healthcare
without depleting their savings. The program, known as Aid and Attendance, can be used to pay for adult day care, skilled nursing
care and home care. It also can be used to pay a family member other than a spouse to care for the veteran at home. The Aid
and Attendance Program began in 1953, but most veterans do not know about it. The program differs from the disability pension
provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. For more information, visit the Military.com Web site.. Applications can be submitted online through the
VA's VONAPP portal.
National Call Center for Homeless Veterans
The VA has created a new hotline to ensure that homeless veterans or veterans at risk for homelessness have
free, 24/7 access to trained counselors. The hotline is intended to assist homeless veterans and their families, VA Medical
Centers, federal, state and local partners, community agencies, service providers and others in the community. To be
connected with a trained VA staff member, call 1-877-4AID VET (877-424-3838). Click here for more information.
|
Top VA Budget Priorities Include a 5-year Goal to Reduce Number of
Homeless Veterans
The White House has announced a proposed $125 billion budget next year for the Department of Veterans Affairs. The money
will be used to expand healthcare to a record number of veterans, reduce the number of homeless veterans and process a dramatically
increased number of new disability compensation claims. Read more here.
|
| | |
|
Pass it on: Encourage your friends to sign up for e-News for the latest updates on how the American Legion Auxiliary serves veterans,
their families and their communities! The Auxiliary will never sell or share your email address with anyone. Period. So please
help us grow our e-News. It's fast, informative and safe! |
|
| | |
THUNDERING THIRD DISTRICT
NEWSLETTER DEPARTMENT OF OHIO The District Fall Conference was attended by 50 Aux-iliary members.
There were 5 Legion and 1 S.A.L. rep-resentative who gave greetings. We were very pleased to welcome 9 Auxiliary members who
attended a Dis-trict Meeting for the first time. A small gift was pre-sented to the one who was the newest member of the Auxiliary,
Mackenzie Williams, a Junior member from the New Carlisle Unit which hosted the conference. A small gift was also presented
to the Unit with the most members in attendance. Unit 776 had 11 mem-bers in attendance. Unfortunately, it was difficult to
divide the prize—a 1/2# block of homemade fudge made by the Fudge Lady from Unit 586. We were honored to have
Second Vice President Vi-ola Gryzbowski as our guest speaker and her talk cov-ered all the programs not covered by the District
Chairmen and Department Chairmen. Did you know we have 5 members serving at Department level? They are Carol T. Robinson,
President of the Past Presidents Parley and a member of the Policy Com-mittee; Pam Bates, member of the Finance Committee;
Ellen Slone-Farthing, Community Service Chairman; Susan Masten, Constitution and Bylaws Chairman; and Refugia Bowen, Field
Service Director. We were also highly entertained by a mock trial pre-sented by the Past Third District Presidents. It was a riot!!!!!
FALL CONFERENCE Volume 2, Issue 2 Viola Williams, President and Editor November 2009 Greetings from your President! MEMBERSHIP
STANDING I am very sad to announce that the Third District has fallen to 13th place (we’re even behind the 888
members.!) Well, I don’t believe that I jinxed us by bragging about being in first, but we sure need to work harder
to rise to the top. You know cream rises to the top and I believe the Third District is the cream of the crop! So lets get
busy and get that membership in! We had 14 Units make goal last year. Let’s see if we can double that this year. I announced
two Membership Incentives for the District at the Fall Conference: #1—To the Units at 95% or more by January
29, 2010. (Revert to the Jan 24th report if no Jan 29th report.) One Unit—$25. Drawn at Mid-Winter Roundtable—Greenville.
#2—To the Units at Goal or above by May 28th—One Unit—$25. Drawn at Summer Convention—Tipp
City. (continued on Page 2) Let’s Get HOT! HOT! HOT! FOR MEMBERSHIP! INSIDE THIS ISSUE Auxiliary
Gift Shop 2 After Christmas Party 2 Bracelet Order Form 4 Calendar 4 Department Fundraiser 2 District
Officers, Chairmen & Hospital representative 2 Membership 1-2-3 Membership Pins 2 Fall Conference
Report 1 Friendship Gift 2 Greetings— District President 1 Hi! Everybody. It has been a busy fall
and Thanks-giving is just around the corner. I am still strug-gling to set up Unit visits and keep up with every-thing going
on in the District. I have visited Foody-Cornwell Unit 095 and Ft. McKinley Memo-rial. I have others scheduled and yes, I
know, I have my work cut out for me to make all remain-ing this year! I will give it a good try, anyhow. Let’s hope
the weather cooperates better this year than it did last. That’s all for now, hope to see more of you at our
roundtable in Greenville in January! Vi
THUNDERING THIRD DISTRICT NEWSLETTER DEPARTMENT OF OHIO The District Fall Conference was attended by 50 Aux-iliary members. There were 5 Legion and 1 S.A.L. rep-resentative
who gave greetings. We were very pleased to welcome 9 Auxiliary members who attended a Dis-trict Meeting for the first time.
A small gift was pre-sented to the one who was the newest member of the Auxiliary, Mackenzie Williams, a Junior member from
the New Carlisle Unit which hosted the conference. A small gift was also presented to the Unit with the most members in attendance.
Unit 776 had 11 mem-bers in attendance. Unfortunately, it was difficult to divide the prize—a 1/2# block of homemade
fudge made by the Fudge Lady from Unit 586. We were honored to have Second Vice
President Vi-ola Gryzbowski as our guest speaker and her talk cov-ered all the programs not covered by the District Chairmen
and Department Chairmen. Did you know we have 5 members serving at Department level? They are Carol T. Robinson, President
of the Past Presidents Parley and a member of the Policy Com-mittee; Pam Bates, member of the Finance Committee; Ellen Slone-Farthing,
Community Service Chairman; Susan Masten, Constitution and Bylaws Chairman; and Refugia Bowen, Field Service Director. We were also highly entertained by a mock trial pre-sented by the Past Third District Presidents. It was a
riot!!!!! FALL CONFERENCE Volume 2, Issue 2 Viola Williams, President and Editor November
2009 Greetings from your President! MEMBERSHIP STANDING I am very sad to announce that the Third District has fallen to 13th place (we’re even behind the 888 members.!)
Well, I don’t believe that I jinxed us by bragging about being in first, but we sure need to work harder to rise to
the top. You know cream rises to the top and I believe the Third District is the cream of the crop! So lets get busy and get
that membership in! We had 14 Units make goal last year. Let’s see if we can double that this year. I announced two
Membership Incentives for the District at the Fall Conference: #1—To the
Units at 95% or more by January 29, 2010. (Revert to the Jan 24th report if no Jan 29th report.) One Unit—$25. Drawn
at Mid-Winter Roundtable—Greenville. #2—To the Units at Goal or
above by May 28th—One Unit—$25. Drawn at Summer Convention—Tipp City. (continued on Page 2) Let’s Get HOT! HOT! HOT! FOR MEMBERSHIP! INSIDE THIS ISSUE Auxiliary Gift Shop 2 After Christmas Party 2 Bracelet Order Form 4 Calendar 4 Department Fundraiser 2 District Officers, Chairmen & Hospital
representative 2 Membership 1-2-3 Membership
Pins 2 Fall Conference Report 1 Friendship
Gift 2 Greetings— District President 1 Hi!
Everybody. It has been a busy fall and Thanks-giving is just around the corner. I am still strug-gling to set up Unit visits
and keep up with every-thing going on in the District. I have visited Foody-Cornwell Unit 095 and Ft. McKinley Memo-rial.
I have others scheduled and yes, I know, I have my work cut out for me to make all remain-ing this year! I will give it a
good try, anyhow. Let’s hope the weather cooperates better this year than it did last. That’s all for now, hope to see more of you at our roundtable in Greenville in January! Vi
|  |
Today is Our
90th Anniversary!  Ninety years ago today, the American Legion Auxiliary was formed in support of The American Legion in the spirit of Service Not Self for veterans, God and country. For decades, Auxiliary members have been
serving those who have selflessly served our country--our men and women in the Armed Forces. 2009 mission outreach numbers
are telling:
- 1.9 million hours volunteered at VA centers
- volunteered nearly a million hours
to youth programs
- $3.2 million donated to community service programs
- $3.9 million contributed to programs
benefiting children and youth
- contributed more than $6 million to benefit veterans being treated in the VA medical
system
- awarded more than $1 million in scholarships to students
- contributed more than $1 million to Operation
Military Kids
Since the Auxiliary was established at the first National Convention of The American
Legion, we've grown into a network of more than 800,000 women! And our women have a passion for making a difference.
Do you have a favorite Auxiliary memory? From now until the 2010 National Convention, we will be sharing your greatest Auxiliary
stories in our print and electronic communications. Please contact us today!
Auxiliary units: click here for resources and helpful ideas on how to celebrate the Auxiliary's 90th anniversary throughout the year.
|
| | New look! |  | Check out your Auxiliary Magazine online! |
|
| Honoring
Those Who Served
 An excerpt from the Veterans Day 2009 presidential proclamation:
"On Veterans
Day, we honor the heroes we have lost, and we rededicate ourselves to the next generation of veterans by supporting our Soldiers,
Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen as they return home from duty. Our grateful Nation must keep our solemn promises
to these brave men and women and their families. They have given their unwavering devotion to the American people, and we
must keep our covenant with them." Read the full proclamation here.
Veterans, today is your day, and the American Legion Auxiliary thanks you for your service! On Nov. 10,
National Headquarters hosted a luncheon for veterans from HVAF Inc., Helping Homeless Veterans And Families, an Indianapolis-based
organization dedicated to helping local area homeless veterans and their families. Pictured are the veterans who attended
along with National Vice President Carlene Ashworth and National Headquarters staff. The veterans were given U.S. flags for
display at their various campuses as well as gift bags containing stamps and toiletry items.
On Veterans
Day, Applebee's restaurants will be treating veterans to a free signature entree. On Monday, Nov. 16, between 5-9pm, Golden Corral will provide a free dinner for veterans. Check out benefits that local restaurants in your area may offer on Veterans Day.
|
Canes
Donated to U.S. Military Veterans
A national program will provide 25,000 canes free of charge to
members of the United States Armed Forces in need of mobility assistance to honor them for their incredible contributions
to our country. The program "Hugo Salutes Our Veterans" will be launched on Veterans Day and will provide Hugo®
Folding Canes at all Sam's Club locations nationwide while supplies last. Sam's Club Membership is not required. Veterans
who receive a cane also will get a free One-Day Sam's Club Pass. Proof of U.S. military service may be required in order to
be eligible.
AMG Medical Inc., headquartered in Alpharetta, Ga., first launched the veterans program in 2007, giving
away 5,000 canes. The program was to honor the parents and relatives of its employees who served in the U.S. military and
to give back to those who graciously gave so much to America. Click here for additional information about The Hugo Salutes Our Veterans program.
|
Is
Your Post or Unit a Legiontown?
 Legiontown is our town. It is your town. It is America's town. The "Legiontown" designation occurs where Legion
Family members dedicate themselves to a cause greater than themselves. Thousands of Legiontowns in the United States and overseas
provide service to our troops, young people, communities and veterans. Found here are just some of their stories. Help us
make this Legiontown, USA, Web site complete. Please create an account and submit a story and photo of your post, squadron or unit explaining why it deserves
to be called a "Legiontown."
|
Holiday
Shipping Information at USPS.com The United States Postal Service Web site is a useful tool for individuals
and Auxiliary units sending care packages to overseas service members during the holiday season. Visit USPS.com for information
on ordering free boxes and holiday shipping cutoff dates. |
Holiday
Wreaths Honor Veterans  Wreaths Across America, a recipient of the Auxiliary's Public Spirit Award in 2009, has designed a special wreath for the
holidays. Handmade in Maine, the Let Freedom Ring wreath is 24 inches in diameter with more than 4 pounds of freshly harvested balsam and decorated with berries, pinecones and reindeer
moss topped with a festive red bow, three bells and two small American flags. One hundred percent of this special wreath's
profits support two organizations: Wreaths Across America, whose mission is to place as many wreaths as possible on veterans'
graves during the holiday season, and The Murray Grey Foundation which helps military families in time of need.
|
National Family
Week is Nov. 22-28  As we gather to give thanks, let's celebrate healthy families and communities during the annual National Family Week. Organized by the Alliance for Children and Families, National Family Week is a wonderful time to build connections that support
and strengthen families year-round.
Not sure how to get started? Some suggestions:
- Encourage
your community to participate in local National Family Week events.
- Conduct an awareness campaign on behalf
of National Family Week.
- Present a National Family Week Advocacy Award at a special meeting to an individual who
has worked to strengthen the lives of children and families. Launch a policy platform or announce a family-strengthening initiative
during National Family Week.
- Work with officials at all levels of government to support initiatives that position
families to succeed.
- Make a public commitment to take action in support of policies that better the lives of vulnerable
children and families.
- Hold a military family appreciation event to encourage and offer support for military families.
- Write a letter to the editor.
- Include a statement on your Web site.
For
additional information and family resources, visit the Alliance for Children and Families or download the National Family Week brochure from The American Legion.
|
| | |
|
Pass it on: Encourage your friends to sign up for e-News for the latest updates on how the American Legion Auxiliary serves veterans,
their families and their communities! The Auxiliary will never sell or share your email address with anyone. Period. So please
help us grow our e-News. It's fast, informative and safe! |
|
| |
|
American Legion Auxiliary National Headquarters | 8945 N. Meridian St. | Indianapolis
| IN | 46260 |
THUNDERING THIRD DISTRICT NEWSLETTER DEPARTMENT
OF OHIO Yes, I really do feel that way. Desiree Stoy, Ohio’s own National President conducted
the conven-tion with dignity and poise rarely seen under such pressure. With so many amendments to be brought to the floor,
discussed and voted on, Desi held her cool at all times. The convention moved along smoothly and stayed on course. Only installation
was held the last day as planned. Ohio had 40 delegates, 41 alternates and 12
visitors registered. We (Ohio) won a National Merito-rius Achievement Award - the U.S. ―Udie‖ Grant Legacy Award
for our work in the Child Welfare Program and Department 2nd Vice Linda Close won a National Award for Public Relations. Unit
214, District 9, Martha Setlock won the National Presidents Award for Excellence for their work in Education, Children &
Youth, Public Relations, National Security and Community Service. The Third District, Unit 776 Madie Tillman won the Central
Division Outstanding Unit Award for her Legislative Program. The amendment to increase dues was defeated. Also the resolution
to allow members to become VIMS and make time payments was defeated but it was recognized as being needed and if resubmitted
should pass next year. National is in the process of upgraded their com-puter equipment and programs and should be ready to
handle the record keeping by then. NATIONAL CONVENTION HUGE SUCCESS! Volume 2, Issue 1 Viola Williams, President
and Editor September—October 2009 Our District Fall Conference will be held at Post 286, October
10th. Registration starts at 9 AM with coffee and pastries provided. The meeting will start at 10 AM. Lunch will be served
for $5.00. Please send or phone your reservations so they have an idea how many to prepare for. Call Patti Gorman at 409-9324.
DISTRICT
FALL CONFERENCE The purpose of this conference is for District Chairmen to report on information received
at School of Instruction and answer any questions you might have about the programs. We
will also hear from National Convention Delegates. Our guest speaker will be
Viola Grzybowski, Department 2nd Vice President. MEMBERSHIP STANDING I am proud to announce that the Third District has been in FIRST place in the standings 2 out of the first
5 reports. On September 10th we were in 1st place at 12.966% of goal. On Sep 24th we dropped to 12th place with 28.783%. I
know this happens early in the year but we were NEVER in first place last year! If we never make it again, at least we were
there twice! Let’s do it again—and stay there! Let’s Get HOT!
HOT! HOT! FOR MEMBERSHIP! INSIDE THIS ISSUE Announcement-Unit
487 3 Auxiliary Gift Shop 3 Bonding
3 Calendar 5 Constitution, Bylaws
5 Department Convention 2 Department
President’s Theme 3 District After Christmas Party 4 District Officers, Chairmen & Hospital representative 4 Membership
1&3 Membership Pins 3 PAGE 2 SEP—OCT 2009 THUNDERING THIRD DISTRICT
NEWSLETTER VOLUME 2, ISSUE 1 DEPARTMENT CONVENTION The
Department Convention went very smoothly this year also. District 3 had 53 delegates, dele-gates-at-large, alternates and
visitors. Martha Lee Thatcher was elected President and Linda Close 1st Vice President. We had an election between Karen Peel
and Viola Grzybowski and while close, Viola Grzybowski was elected 2nd Vice President. Your District President was honored
to sing the National Anthem during opening ceremonies. The District won quite a few awards. Best
All Around Americanism Program awards went to Buckeye Unit 174, 2nd Place Group II; Gen-eral Daniel ―Chappie‖
James Unit 776, 1st Place Group III; Kettering Unit 598, 1st Place Group V. Best
Green Report in Community Service: General Daniel James Unit 776, 1st Place Group III; Ket-tering Unit 598, 1st Place Group
V and a certificate of Merit for outstanding contribution to Osgood Unit 588, 2nd Place Group I. Unit 526 Dignam-Whitmore, Fairborn received recognition on the floor for their use of Music at Auxiliary
meetings and activities and Certificates of Merit were awarded Kettering Unit 598 for Best Green Report in District 3 and
Unit 526, Refugia Bowen, 2nd Place for Best Narrative. Best Green Report for
Children & Youth went to Dignam-Whitmore Unit 526, 1st Place Group IV. Best
Green Report VA&R went to Irma Arling, Osgood Unit 588, 1st Place Group I and Karen Bai-ley, Tony Stein Unit 619, 1st
Place Group II. Best Report for Field Service went to Kettering Unit 598, 3rd Place Group V. Best Green Report for District 3 for work in the legislative Program awarded to Madie Tillman, Unit 776.
She and Susan Masten, Unit 526 were awarded a Certificate of Merit for their ―Correspondence to Legislators Report.‖
Three members, Harriet Cuyman, Unit 619, Ruth Brinkel, Unit 586 and Betty Kehrle Unit 165 received Dept President Cyndi Underwood’s
award for ―Making Homeless Veterans and Homeless Teens Part of the Legislative Program.‖ History Program: Great Green Report certificate went to Units 174 and 435; Certificate for submit-ting a
history went to Unit 286, Anthea Wilson, Unit 526 Marvalyn Steggemann, and Unit 588 Diana Bohman. Diana also received a certificate
for submitting a scrapbook. Belva Miller, Unit 619 re-ceived a certificate for her veteran interview. National Security Program work garnered Certificates of Merit for Kettering Unit 598 and Beaver-creek Memorial
Unit 763. Education: Outstanding Report Certificates were awarded Rhonda Hunter,
Unit 598 and Vera Hill, Unit 776. Unit 165 received a Certificate of Appreciation
for their contribution to the Buckeye Girls State Endowment Fund. Public Relations:
Frank E. Robinson Unit 586 received a Certificate of Merit for 1st Place in Dis-trict 3. The Chairman Patti Sprecher also
won a Certificate of Merit for 3d Place Group IV for Best Green Report for Poppy. Vera
Hill, Unit 776 received a Certificate of Merit for her outstanding leadership materials and program. Wonderful Ohio Women Certificate: Certificate to District President with most entrants—District 3 Second
Place with 16. And last but not least—President’s Citations of Merit
were awarded to Unit 435 Versailles, Unit 643 Bradford Memorial, Unit 763 Beavercreek and to Unit 776 General Daniel ―Chappie‖
James. These were awarded to the Units in each District who 1. Achieved Membership Goal by May 31 2. Submit-ted at least one
report in each of the four major programs 3. Submitted at least one report to the Chaplain, Historian, Legislate and National
Security Chairmen 4. Purchased small poppies by De-cember 31 and submitted a Poppy report and 5. Paid their bonding fee for
2009 by May 1, 2009. I hope I haven’t missed anything. If so, I apologize. Convention
is in Toledo in 2010. Let’s get some more. MEMBERSHIP Message
from Department 1st Vice Linda Close ALL ABOARD is the National Membership
theme this year and Ohio needs to get on track. That’s why I’m inviting all of you to hop aboard the ―Ohio
Express‖ and get ready to build our membership in a ―hot, hot‖ way. This
year each District will be striving to get ―hotter‖ as the year goes on. Everyone starts out as a mild banana
pepper, then as membership grows you change into a jalapeno, then
a cayenne,
on to a chili, and those with the highest membership will be placed into the
―Hot‖ category of ha-baneros. Our theme this year is ―Ohio
is Hot, Hot, Hot on Membership," and that is just what we have to be to reach our National
Goal. DEPARTMENT PRESIDENT’S THEME 2009—2010 Martha’s theme is "Communication
is Key" and her message in brief is: "It is a critical time for our
organization and I truly believe that any problem can be solved if we are willing to sit down and talk about it; there are
many ways to communicate and all of them involve an exchange of ideas. Being open to suggestion and willing to try new methods
is just as important as communicating from the top down." Her special project is the (soon to be built) Fisher House
at Cleveland Wade Park. She also said, "Again, thank you for your support and for the opportunity to represent the wonderful
women of Ohio. Let’s support each other, have friendly competition, communicate and have a fun, informative year. Remember,
women love to talk…..let’s communicate!" VOLUME 2, ISSUE 1 THUNDERING THIRD DISTRICT NEWSLETTER SEP—OCT
2009 PAGE 3 Target Dates for 2009—2010 Target
#1 55% September 28, 2009 Target #2 65% October 26, 2009 Target #3 75% December 21, 2009 Target #4 85% March 29, 2010
Target #5 100% June 18, 2010 #4
UNIT with the BEST UNIT PLAN to in- crease membership (write in fewer than 500 words) $50 at Mid-Winter #5 UNIT with the highest percentage over GOAL by May 28, 2010—$100 (at Depart- ment Convention) #6 FIRST DISTRICT at GOAL by May 28, 2010—$100 (given at Department Conven- tion) #7 UNIT who is GOAL or above by May 28, 2010— three Units $50 each (drawn at De- partment Convention)
#8 UNIT with 95% or more renewals between Dec 31, 2009 and May 28, 2010—$50
(drawn at Department Convention) #9 UNIT with greatest increase of Junior members
from March 31, 2009 to March 31, 2010—$100 (at Dept Junior Convention) MEMBERSHIP
INCENTIVES #1 DISTRICT at 50% membership or more by Sep 18, 2009—a ―hot‖
fiesta with me at School of Instructions #2 UNIT with 95% or more renewals by
Dec 31, 2009 two Units $50 ea (drawn at Mid-Winter #3 UNITS at GOAL or above
by Dec 31—$100 to two Units (drawn at Mid- Winter) DISTRICT OFFICERS, CHAIRMEN & HOSPITAL REPRESEN-TATIVES
2009—2010 PRESIDENT
VIOLA WILLIAMS 6425 Tipp Elizabeth Rd Troy OH 45373—Phone: 937-667-4169
Cell: 937-572-6142 Email: vi-donwilliams@hotmail.com AMERICANISM CHAIRMAN BETTY KESSLER, 3295 Keith Drive, Tipp City OH 45371, Phone: 937-335-4074 CHILDREN
& YOUTH CHAIRMAN SHARON DOTTERER, 1014 Stoneybrook Tr., Fair-born OH 45324
Phone: 937-879-2275 COMMUNITY SERVICE CHAIRMAN ROBIN COOPER 901 W High St, Piqua OH 45356 Phone: 937-773-0165, Email: the coop1420@juno.com JUNIOR ACTIVITIES CHAIRMAN VERA HILL, 2521 Amble Way, Dayton
OH 45424 Phone: 937-369-2971 VA&R CHAIRMAN KANDY HICKS 414 E Third St, Springfield OH 45503 Phone: 937-390-3140 UD&R
CHAIRMAN CAROL T. ROBINSON 8483 Woodgrove Dr, Center-ville OH 45458 Phone: 937-436-1983
SECRETARY SUSAN MASTEN 419 Young
Dr, Fairborn OH 45324 Phone: 947-878-8343 SGT-AT-ARMS DOROTHY OVERBEY 703 Shoshoni Way, Tipp City OH 45371 Phone: 937-667-2780 DAYTON
VAMC CHIEF REPRESENTATIVE CAROL KELLY 6401 Seton Hill, Dayton OH 45459 Phone:
937-439-1442 Email: wakelly101@woh.rr.com DAYTON VAMC DEPUTY REPRESENTATIVE
OLA MATTHEWS 192 Orinoco St Riverside OH 45431 Champaign County UD&R Member: Nancy Wasserman, 3670 Abby Lane, Mechanicsburg OH 43044 Phone: 937-834-3293
Darke County UD&R Member: Alice Marker, 747 Primrose Dr, Greenville OH 45331
Phone 937-548-5186 Greene & Montgomery Counties UD&R Member: Connie
Dunlevy, 40 Circle Drive, Fairborn OH 45324 Phone 937-270-2863 Miami & Preble
Counties UD&R Member: Ruth Brinkel, 853 Heather Ct., Vandalia OH 45377 Phone: 937-626-7468 DISTRICT AFTER CHRISTMAS PARTY December 27th, 2009 We will need volunteers and donations for the After-Christmas Party. Please send your donations to Ruth Brinkel,
treasurer, Past District Presidents, earmarked for the After-Christmas Party. Thanks for your continued support. Volunteers
should arrive by 10 AM to set up the room and get ready to serve by 12 noon. AUXILIARY
GIFT SHOP The Gift shop at the VAMC will be held on December 10th. Volunteers
should arrive by 8 AM. Carol Kelly and Ola Matthews are shopping now for gifts for the Veterans. Get your donations in soon.
Please send checks to Department earmarked for the Dayton VA Auxiliary Gift Shop. BONDING
Has your Unit paid your bonding fee for 2009? It should have been paid in May.
If you haven’t, please do so immediately. Bonding fees for all Units are required to be paid. If you don’t pay
yours, Department still has to pay it for you. This is not fair to the Units who do pay their fees. There are some Units who
have not paid in past years. I will be sending these Units a letter re-questing they pay their back bonding fees. We are now
bonded at $10,000. More info on this will be coming from Department. MEMBERSHIP
PINS I have membership pins like the little engine on Page 3 for sale for $3.00.
They will be at the Past District President’s table at the Fall Conference. ANNOUNCEMENT
West Milton Unit 487 has asked me to announce that they dishes with the American
Legion Auxil-iary emblem on them for sale. There are 75 pieces and they also have silverware and steak knives. Their Post
is downsizing and these are no longer needed. The dishes are heavy china and have W.C.Bunting, Belleview, OH on the back.
MADE IN THE USA—HOORAH! If anyone is interested please call Ruth Strack, Unit President at 937-836-6336 for more info.
PAGE
4 SEP—OCT 2009 THUNDERING THIRD DISTRICT NEWSLETTER VOLUME 2, ISSUE 1 PAGE
5 SEP—OCT 2009 THUNDERING THIRD DISTRICT VOLUME 2, ISSUE 1 CONSTITUTION, BYLAWS AND STANDING
RULES If your documents are five years old or older, now is the time to bring
them up to date. The new Department Chair-man is Susan Masten. Her address is in the list of Third District Chairmen and Officers
on page 4 of this newsletter. They need to be in early enough in the year so that she has time to review, get any corrections
necessary by mail with the Unit and get them done before the administrative year is over. 2009—2010 Calendar OCTOBER 2 Third Distr Golf Outing Sugar Isle, New Carlisle 8 AM Registration, 9 AM Tee Off 10 Third Distr Auxiliary Fall Conference Reg 9 AM; Mtg 10 AM Unit 286, New Carlisle 12
Columbus Day 17 Department Commander’s Homecoming, Cincinnati 24 Dept Chapeau Homecoming Streetsboro, Post 685 25 District
S.A.L. Conference 2 PM TBA NOVEMBER 2
Buckeye Messenger Articles Deadline 2—6 A&G Testing 7 Department President Martha Thatcher’s Homecom ing Post 221, Massillon 11
Veterans Day 26 Thanksgiving DECEMBER 10 Third District Auxiliary Gift Shop, Bldg 305, Volunteers 8 AM; Open 9AM 16
Legion Gift Wrap, Kettering Post 598, 7:30 PM 25 Christmas 25
Legion Gift Distribution 7—8 AM Coffee Donuts; Pass Out Gifts 8 AM 27
Third Dist Aux After-Christmas Party, 10 AM Pre pare, 12 Noon Serve, Bldg 305, Dayton VAMC JANUARY
1 New Year’s Day 9-10
District Bowling Tournament Springfield 15-16 Department Mid-Winter Conference
Marriott Air- port Hotel 15 Leadership Workshop 1000 AM Marriott 16—17 Legion Mid-Winter Conference—Ramada Conference Center– Columbus 18
Martin Luther King Day 24 Third Dist Legion Winter Conference, Post 165, Miamisburg Reg
12 Noon, Meeting 1 PM 30 Third Dist Aux Mid-Winter Roundtable Unit 140 Greenville,
1 PM Reg; 2 PM Mtg 31 S.A.L. Meeting TBA FEBRUARY
1 Buckeye Messenger Articles Deadline 14
Valentine’s Day 15 President’s Day MARCH
17 St Patrick’s Day 21 Dist Legion Spring Conference Reg 12 Noon Mtg 1PM
Post 526 Fairborn APRIL 4 Easter 18
Distr Auxiliary Spring Roundtable, Unit 165 Miamisburg 1 PM Reg; Mtg 2 PM 24
Distr Aux Spring Fling, Bldg 305 VAMC, 10 AM Prepare;12 Noon Serve 25 Distr
S.A.L. Convention TBA MAY 3 Buckeye
Messenger Articles Deadline 9 Mother’s Day 15
Armed Forces Day 15 Department Junior Convention 23
Distr Legion Convention, Post 184 Piqua Reg 9 AM; Meet- ing 10 AM 28 Avenue
of Flags, Dayton VA 9 AM 29 Memorial Day Celebrated, Grave Decoration at Dayton VA 31 Traditional Memorial Day JUNE 5 Distr Aux Summer Convention, Post 586, Tipp City, Reg 9 AM; Meeting 10 AM 12-20 Buckeye Boys State 13-20 Buckeye Girls State 14 Flag Day, Flag Disposal Ceremonies at New Carlisle and Troy Posts 20
Father’s Day 24-27 Department Convention, Crown Plaza, Toledo JULY 25 Distr Aux Ice Cream Social, Dayton VAMC Bldg 305 Meet
at 1 PM; Distribute Ice Cream 2 PM AUGUST 27
to Sep 2 National Convention—Milwaukee, Wisconsin THUNDERING THIRD DISTRICT NEWSLETTER
AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY VIOLA
WILLIAMS, PRESIDENT 6425 Tipp Elizabeth Rd Troy
OH 45373
|
