In March 2019, a bomb cyclone hit Colorado Springs, Colo., and devastated The Crawford House, a veterans transitional housing center accommodating up to 13 veterans at a time.“I was called by one of my managers,” said Jerome Ford, U.S. Air Force veteran and program manager at The Crawford House.“Everybody was sheltered in place, so I
During his time in the U.S. Navy, John Wickstrom worked in nuclear power in the engine room of a cruiser, sometimes not seeing the sun for weeks on end.While aboard, nearly 60 years ago, John discovered that one of his fellow servicemembers was an amateur leather worker. During his down time, John grew extremely fond
American Legion Auxiliary Texas Unit 33 President Christine Trahan joined the ALA in 1993 under the U.S. Marine Corps service of her husband. She was drawn to the work of her unit and how closely it followed the Auxiliary’s mission to serve veterans, military, and their families. Now, almost 30 years later, Christine is proud
The American Legion Auxiliary Girls State and Girls Nation programs reach thousands of young women across the country each year and help them develop and strengthen their knowledge of government and leadership skills.Despite being a major priority for Auxiliary volunteers, young women who have heard of or even attended ALA Girls State or ALA Girls
Lisa Williamson’s journey with the American Legion Auxiliary began when she started bartending at an American Legion post. Later, she worked as an administrative assistant at The American Legion Department of Alaska, in Anchorage, for nine years. While working there, Lisa realized what it meant to be a part of the ALA.“I learned the Legion
All veterans deserve to be celebrated, and the American Legion Auxiliary volunteers at the Syracuse Veterans Creative Arts Festival in New York make this a top priority year after year.The event hosts dozens of local veterans in a creative competition and celebration, and, since 2014, the festival organizers have relied on the support of
Patriotism runs deep in Beth McGinn’s family. Many members have sacrificed so much, including her uncle, who gave his life at Iwo Jima to protect the nation. Beth’s father also served in World War II alongside all four of his brothers, and her grandmothers were both Gold Star Mothers. Despite the tragic moments her family
photo Hannah Catt For over 75 years, the American Legion Auxiliary Badger Girls State program has brought bright students from across Wisconsin together to develop leadership skills, learn the basics of state government, and gain confidence in their ability to make a difference in the world. “[ALA Girls State] was made up of outstanding young
Jeri Greenwell has spent the past 53 years serving veterans, military, and their families through her membership with the American Legion Auxiliary. “Being the daughter of two Marines, it was instilled in me the importance of honoring the service of our military, its veterans, and their families for their many sacrifices, exemplary courage, honor, and
The wheelchairs used by volunteers and staff to transport patients around the Togus Veterans Affairs Medical center in Augusta, Maine, were heavy, outdated, and cumbersome. As a part of a larger statewide effort, American Legion Auxiliary Maine Unit 81 decided to purchase two new Stryker Prime TC Transport Chairs for the medical center. Knowing each
