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In this
world of ours, the American Legion Auxiliary shines as an example of
unselfish giving. With almost a million members from all walks of life,
the Auxiliary administers hundreds of volunteer programs, gives tens of
thousands of hours to its communities and to veterans, and raises
millions of dollars to support its own programs as well as other worth
while charities familiar to most Americans. It is all accomplished with
volunteers .
The
Auxiliary is much more than the name implies. The organization has
achieved its own unique identity while working side-by-side with the
veterans who belong to The American Legion. Like the Legion, the
Auxiliary's interests have broadened to encompass the entire community.
Through its nearly 12,000 units located in every state and some foreign
countries, the Auxiliary embodies the spirit of America that has
prevailed through war and peace. It is as solidly behind America today
as it was when it was founded in 1920.
In 1919,
at the very first National Convention of The American Legion, it was
agreed that the organization's purpose could not be properly served
without the aid and dedication of each member's family. Membership in
the Auxiliary is now open to Legionnaires' wives, mothers, daughters,
sisters, granddaughters and grandmothers.
Today,
they are recognized as the most influential patriotic women's
organization in the world, but their success has not changed their
purpose. They joined hands with The American Legion to serve God and
Country as a family and that bond will never be broken.
AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY (ALA) UNIT 162 CONTINUES THE TRADITION – it
just gets better every time…….Lorton,
Virginia, Auxiliary Unit 162 sponsors luncheon and good times for local
Veterans.
The women of Lorton
American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Unit 162 sponsored a luncheon for
Veterans living at the Armed Forces Retirement Home – Washington
(formerly the Veterans Old Soldiers and Airmen’s Home) on Wednesday, May
18, 2011, at the Post 162 home facility. Over 50 members of the Armed
Forces Retirement Home attended the luncheon and were treated to an
outstanding early Memorial Day celebration of an outstanding lunch along
with an elaborate spread of desserts. (See photograph below.)
(Auxiliary members Dee Krear, Helen Voccio, and Gretchen Fisher serving
the salad)
Post 162 Sons of the
American Legion (SAL) member Napoleon “Shaq” Hendrix III provided a
mixture of background music, karaoke, and dancing with music ranging
from the 40’s and 50’s into the 80’s as the Veterans enjoyed the
luncheon, did a little dancing, and used the opportunity to mingle with
today’s Veterans. Auxiliary Unit 162 member Karen Donias surprised and
pleased the attendees with her striking rendition of “Some Where Over
the Rainbow.”
(Shaq
and Karen providing some of the entertainment)
As always, this
luncheon provided a golden opportunity for our American Legion family to
thank the visiting Veterans for their military service and share stories
and memories. It was a great event for a very deserving and
appreciative group of our Nation’s finest!
The ALA Unit 162
sponsors lunches or dinners for our aging Veterans three times a year
(one held around St. Patrick’s Day and the other around Thanksgiving)
and has been involved in this Veterans support activity for over 37
years – a significant achievement! They are to be commended for their
dedication and service to our Veterans and to our Country.
(The ALA Unit 162 ladies who made it happen! Back row from L-R:
Debbie Mohaupt; Jen Donohue, Dee Krear, Helen Voccio, Fran Ricker,
Gretchen Fisher; Karen Donias, Sara Mohaupt, Patricia Wiedner, and Beth
Mohaupt Front Row from L-R: Marissa, Gabriana, and Jasmine Mohaupt)
Article written and pictures taken and submitted by American Legion
Virginia Department PR Chairman Marv Rodney
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