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and staff to transport patients around the Togus Veterans Affairs Medical center in Augusta, Maine, were heavy, outdated, and cumbersome.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
Carol Campbell’s father, James F. Gallagher, served in the United States Army in World War II from 1941-1943 and joined The American Legion after being honorably discharged. One of Campbell’s first memories was attending an American Legion Family Christmas party with her father and meeting Santa Claus.That memory was the start of Carol’s dedication to
At Pennyroyal Veterans Center in Hopkinsville, Ky., 50 homeless veterans at a time have a place to live and the resources to rebuild their life. By providing the basic necessities, residents are able to focus on going the extra mile to improve their situation. At the center, substance abuse and mental health treatments are available,
Many American Legion Auxiliary members volunteer to serve our nation’s heroes during much of their free time. Or, if free time is scarce, they make financial gifts toward the cause. No matter your schedule or resources, there is always a way to contribute to the mission of the American Legion Auxiliary.Kathy Wilkerson, an 11-year Auxiliary
As COVID-19 (coronavirus) has grappled all of our lifestyles, that hasn’t stopped some from getting creative when it comes to continuing mission outreach efforts.In collaboration with American Legion Auxiliary Arizona Unit 62, the American Legion Auxiliary Foundation, Veterans First, the Arizona Arts Commission, the City of Peoria, Ariz., private charities, and individuals, the Heal
Volunteers from American Legion Auxiliary Illinois Unit 577 host events each week for veterans and active military at the James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center. Whether it is a simple Sunday bingo night, a more elaborate celebration for Independence Day, or their annual Christmas shop where veterans can shop for free for their loved
A longtime member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Rachel Grout’s roots ran deep within the organization. After joining the ALA at 17 years old, Rachel was an active member at Unit 193 in Winchendon, Mass., until she passed away last year at 100 years old. To show her appreciation and lifelong love for the ALA,
Each summer, nearly 16,000 young women participate in an American Legion Auxiliary Girls State program in their home state. In 2019, four of those high school students were given the chance to attend thanks to the generosity of the John and Patricia Bowell Foundation and the nonprofit status of the American Legion Auxiliary Foundation. ALA
ALA Unit 143 President Heather Swartz said, “She was one who would never miss a meeting and always volunteered to help. She was loved by all and is truly missed.” Barbara K. Smith was an active member of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 143 in New Cumberland, Pa., left behind a legacy of being very
Thousands of veterans take part in local Veterans Creative Arts Festivals across the country each year. From there, some are invited to showcase their talents at the national level. U.S. Marine Corps veteran Raymond Douglass discovered a talent he didn’t know he had. “I have no formal writing experience or anything like that. I just
