Patrick Ward always thought of himself as an athlete. A fifth-generation U.S. Navy veteran, Patrick’s physical health was always very important to him. That’s why, when he sustained serious injuries while on active duty, Patrick struggled to be motivated in his everyday life. After 55 surgeries and an amputation, Patrick wasn’t sure what was next
Music was Matt Walker’s first love. At the age of 15, he knew it was a passion he wanted to pursue.“For all these years I thought that I would go out there, start doing music and make an album and someone would hand me a million dollars,” Matt said. “It wasn’t like that.”Realizing music
In the United States, women are underrepresented in government at all levels. In 2019, though women made up roughly 50% of the population, they held only 28.9% of state legislatures, and 23.7% of US Congress seats. Sadie Chamberlain, a 2019 American Legion Auxiliary Girls Nation senator, believes that programs like ALA Girls Nation could
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
