Mission Statement

has spent more than 30 years as a Paid-Up-For-Life member of the American Legion Auxiliary, saying “yes” to opportunities to serve along the way. Whether leading at the unit, district, or department level, she has embraced each new role with the same commitment to serving veterans, members, and her community. She joined the Auxiliary through the service of her father, Richard Wm. Anderson, a Vietnam-era U.S. Marine Corps veteran, and has served in numerous leadership roles, including department president from 2017-2018. She currently serves as department secretary for 2026-2027.
That willingness to embrace new opportunities has also shaped Laura’s professional life. She currently serves as registrar of voters for the Town of Hamden and chief financial officer for Santino Consulting. Previously, she spent more than 20 years as a paralegal and office manager with a corporate insurance company, along with more than 15 years as a direct sales consultant. Laura credits her years in direct sales with helping her step outside her comfort zone and become more outgoing, a journey she says is still a work in progress.
Since her father’s passing in 2001, Laura has volunteered with Wreaths Across America at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, Mass., helping honor veterans by laying wreaths each December. She and her husband, Anthony, are also looking forward to fostering future guide dogs through American VetDogs, giving puppies a chance to simply be puppies before returning to training.
When she’s not volunteering, Laura enjoys scrapbooking, cheering on NASCAR, spending time at the beach, and never passes up a great tote bag.

Diane Duscheck of Whitefish Bay, Wis., became a member of the American Legion Auxiliary through her father, WWII veteran Roland Duscheck. She has served in many roles over the years, including as the American legion Auxiliary National President in 2017–2018. Her commitment to the ALA Foundation predates her service on the board, as her National President’s Project focused on raising funds to support the ALA Mission Endowment Fund.
Diane retired in 2014 after a 34-year career teaching seventh and eighth grade science in both parochial and public schools, while also serving as her school’s union representative for 12 years. Within the Auxiliary, she continues to give her time at the district level as parliamentarian and finance chair, at the department level as finance chair and member of the Homeless Women Veterans and Veteran/Family Emergency grant committees, and at the unit level alongside her fellow members. Diane also serves her community as vice president of the Markesan Historical Society Board, where she volunteers at the museum and gives tours, and with the Mitchell Park Horticultural Domes and Easter Seals-Wisconsin.
At every level, Diane keeps service at the center of her work, reflecting her deep commitment to veterans, their families, and her community.

Teresa Lugo-Nunez a 16-year member from Alhambra, CA. has been an American Legion Auxiliary member for 17 years, serving in every unit and district office and chairing numerous committees at the department and division levels. She is eligible through the service of her father, but Teresa’s dedication to the organization is inspired by her late stepfather, Gary Roth, a Vietnam-era Marine, whose example of honor, courage, and commitment continues to guide her life of service.
For nearly 30 years, Teresa dedicated her career to serving others, first as a nurse expanding healthcare access for underserved communities and later in behavioral health, helping individuals living with mental illness and addiction. Her education in nursing, psychology, business, sociology, and public health helped shape that lifelong commitment to service.
Service has always been at the heart of Teresa’s life. She has been recognized by local and national leaders for her community outreach and remains active in her church, where she enjoys serving people of all ages, from newborns to those nearing the end of life’s journey.
When she’s not volunteering, Teresa enjoys cruising with her mother and spending time with her children, grandchildren, family, and friends.

Nancy Brown-Park of Palm Desert, Calif., is a member of George Tadlock Unit 472 through the service of her father, Richard D. Brown, a WWII Army Air Corps veteran. She is also eligible through the service of her husband, Jim Park, a Navy Vietnam War veteran. Brown-Park has held numerous leadership positions in the organization, serving as ALA National President from 2013-2014. At the national level, she was also chairman of the following committees: Junior Activities, Public Relations, National Security, Constitution & Bylaws, Membership, Children & Youth and Veteran Affairs & Rehabilitation. Brown-Park actively volunteers in her community and with other philanthropic organizations.

Coral May Grout resides in Winchendon, Massachusetts. She has been an American Legion Auxiliary member since just after her birth, joining on the service of her father (Charles E. Grout- World War II) and her grandfather (Stanislaus Lsplante-World War I).
She has held leadership positions within her unit, district, department, national levels. Included in her years of service are Department President (3 terms), National Historian, National Secretary (2 terms), and 11 National chairmanships. She presently serves as the National Vice President.
Coral retired as a Superintendent of Schools but continued her educational leadership by joining the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education as a RETELL evaluator and evaluator for underperforming schools. In addition to her professional experience, Coral serves as a member of the Board of Directors for Trusted Financial of Milwaukee and served as Town Moderator for her hometown for the past nine years. She is also a Eucharistic Minister, Leader, and volunteer at St. Vincent de Paul Parishes in Baldwinville, Massachusetts and Holiday, Florida. She enjoys traveling and has visited all 50 states, as well as 52 foreign countries.