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Volume 30, No. 2 1320 Hugur Ave., Cheyenne, WY 82003 May 2018

LEGIONNAIRE - AUXILIAREDEPARTMENT OF WYOMING

The American Legion Department of Wyoming

IN THIS ISSUEIN THIS ISSUELegionnaire Section ..............................................Pages 1-10 Annual Convention Agenda .........................................Page 3 District News .............................................................. Page 7-8 Post News ..................................................................... Page 9Auxiliary Section ................................................Pages 12-19 Annual Convention Agenda .......................................2 District News .......................................................... Page 14-15 American Legion Buddies ..........................................Page 20

2018 ANNUAL CONVENTION FORM

page 4 & 12

ANNUAL CONVENTION INFORMATION pages 3, 5, 12 & 13

Governor Matt Mead has charged the Wyo-ming Veterans Commis-sion and the major Vet-erans Service Organiza-tions in Wyoming to lead the way in establishing a state level memorial to Wyoming’s Fallen War-riors. The Memorial is to be placed on the Capitol Square grounds, the loca-tion is being fi nalized as you read this. One of the tenants of our Preamble is: “To preserve the memories and incidents of our associations in the Great Wars”. Your Department of Wyo-ming American Legion has been instrumental in planning the design of this memorial which will be an important addition to the Capitol grounds. The overall concept of this memorial was recently discussed at the District Confer-ences. The memorial will be constructed of a Wyoming granite known as Teton Taupe, bronze features will be cast at Eagle Foundry in Lander. Drew Bott of Bott Me-morials in Riverton will

State Capitol Grounds will have Fallen Warrior Memorial

be contracted to produce the memorial. The me-morial pillar will be 12 feet tall and will feature a cast bronze gold star, the primary symbol of the Fallen Warrior. The theme of “Wyoming Remembers” will honor our Fallen Warriors and their families from all previous and future wars. No names will be listed to ensure the perpetuity of the memorial.

The overall cost of the memorial and associated landscaping will exceed $100,000, it will be built primarily with private funds. Landscape design and project management will be provided by state agencies. This project is on the fast track to be

completed by the end of 2018. Donations are very much appreciated and will be recognized on an interpretive panel to be placed in the vicin-ity of the memorial. We are partnering with the National VFW Founda-tion to ensure you can take advantage of the tax benefi ts of your dona-tion.Send your donation made payable to the Na-tional VFW Foundation, ATTN: WY Memorial to the American Legion Department Headquar-ters, 1320 Hugur Ave, Cheyenne, WY 82001 Donations will be ac-cepted until August 2018. For more information, contact Larry Barttelbort at (307) 631-0812.

Concept drawing of Wyoming’s Fallen War Memorial

2nd Vice Commander Mike Cooke, Representative Liz Cheney, Auxiliary Northwest Division Vice President Peggy Miller and NEC Terry Miller at the 2018 Washington Conference

2nd Vice Commander Mike Cooke presenting Representative Cheney with a 100th Anniversary Challenge Coin at the Washington Conference held Feb 25th thru the 28th

100th Anniversary Challenge Coin Presentation

100th Anniversary of the American Legion Challenge Coins

LEGIONNAIRE - AUXILIARE DEPARTMENT OF WYOMINGPAGE 2 MAY 2018

WYOMINGLegionnaire - Auxiliare

Offi cial Publication ofThe American Legion, Dept. of Wyoming

EDITORS: Legion - 1320 Hugur Ave., Cheyenne, WY 82001 Telephone (307) 634-3035 FAX: (307) 635-7093 Auxiliary: Peg Sillivan, PO Box 186, Buffalo WY 82834, 307-684-2903

WYOMING LEGIONNAIRE - AUXILIARE (USPS 574-210) is published the months of September, November, January, March, May by the American Legion, Dept. of Wyoming 1320 Hugur, Cheyenne, WY 82001 and printed by the Torrington Telegram, 2025 Main, Torrington, WY 82240. Periodical postage paid at Cheyenne, WY and additional offi ces. Subscription for members ($2.50) is included in the annual membership dues. Non-members subscription price is $5 per year. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to WYOMING Legionnaire-Auxiliare, The American Legion, Dept. of Wyoming, 1320 Hugur Ave., Cheyenne, WY 82001.

Vice Commander- Richard Dansereau

The American Le gion De part ment of Wy o ming2018 Mem ber ship Report

Greetings Comrades,It was wonderful to visit at the Dis-

trict Conferences. Great job everyone. Thank you all for your hospitality.

Remember, even though we are past the 100% deadline, we are not done with the membership year. Get those transmittals in, recruit the members that have not paid for 2018. In the past, we have had posts

that wave their part of the dues to entice previous members to renew. There are many ways to get those members, Membership dinner, com-munity open house, and showing the community all the programs we have and what we do for our community. While sitting at the District meet-ings, listening to the post reports, I guarantee that your community

does not realize what you reported. On top of that, I am sure you did not include all that you do in that report. Gt out there and “blow your horn.” Let everyone know how essential you are to the community.

Speaking of reporting, the time to turn in Consolidated Post Reports (CPR’s) is fast approaching. Do your best to report EVERYTHING. We talked at the District I meeting about where to put your hours. There are spots under your Veterans Assistance and programs areas that you can put your volunteer hours. Each meeting you go to, helping at the post, driv-ing a Vet to an appointment is all under Veterans Assistance. All that time Don York spends on Oratorical during the year should go on that

post report. Same with all our other programs; SAL, Riders, Baseball, Boy’s State, etc.

Remember that our membership helps pay for our programs and gives us a voice in Washington D.C. Without the backing of members, we would not have gotten the changes that were signed last year at the National Convention. Those changes are help-ing Veterans. You can be proud that you helped make that happen. Every member has a voice. We can make change. Veterans still serving and we take care of our own.

Keep up the great work,Richard DansereauVice Commander, The American

LegionDepartment of Wyoming

Cost is only $10.00. Some of the Posts have latched onto a few and are selling them as well. Please contact your local Post or stop by head-quarters and get yours before they sell out!

The American Legion, Department Headquarters, is currently selling these beautiful challenge coins to commemorate

the 100th Anniversary of the American Legion.

100th Anniversary of the American Legion Challenge Coins

Get them while you can. They are going for the

low price of $5.00 Each.

Contact your local post or stop by department headquarters.

100th Anniversary Pins For Sale.

LEGIONNAIRE - AUXILIARE DEPARTMENT OF WYOMING PAGE 3MAY 2018

THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 20186:00pm Finance Committee Meeting – Post 67:00pm Department Executive Committee Meeting – Post 6

FRIDAY: June 23, 20177:00am Past Commanders & Adjutants Club Breakfast – Post 67:00 – 9:00am REGISTRATION – POST 69:00am Department Convention – Opening Ceremony- Red Lion Call to Order – Post 6 Commander- Jerry Bowen Advancement of Colors – Invocation – Chaplain Vandivort POW/MIA Ceremony – Chaplain Vindevort Pledge of Allegiance – Department Vice Commander – Rick Dansereau Preamble of The American Legion – Department 2nd Vice Commander –Mike Cooke Welcome/Introduction of Guests – Post 6 Commander – Turn meeting over to Department Commander – Ken Persson Sr. Welcome – Department Commander; Ken Persson Sr Call to Convention – Department Adjutant – Jacque Boutoille Report of Rules Committee – V C – Rick Dansereau Roll Call of the Posts – Department Adjutant (voting strength) Introduction of guests – Department Commander Report of Credentials Committee Finance Report-Department Finance Offi cer9:30am Report of Resolution Committee9:35 LIT Report – PDC Bill Frye9:45am National Executive Committeemen Report – Terry Miller, Keith Davidson10:00 Break10:15am National Committee and Commission Reports10:25am Department Offi cer Reports Department Chaplain Department Historian Report Department Adjutant Department Service Offi cer Department 2nd Vice-Commander Department Vice-Commander Department Commander11:40am Greetings to The Auxiliary Wyoming Veterans Commission – Chairman Keith Davidson; Director Steve Kravinsky12:00pm Lunch1:15pm Reconvene – Department Committee Reports Candidates for Department Offi ces Bids for 2019 & 2020 Department Conventions2:30pm BREAK2:45pm Legislative update - Larry Bartellbort3:15pm Recess3:15 - 4:30 WALRUS Meeting-Post 64:30pm Post Everlasting – Post 66:00 – 8:00pm Commander/President Dinner – Radisson (Red Lion)7:30pm SAL Detachment Executive Committee Meeting

SATURDAY: June 24, 20177:00am Past Department Commanders Breakfast – TBD8:00am SAL Detachment Convention – 9:00am Department Convention Reconvenes – Radisson (Red Lion) Pledge – Vice-Commander Rick Dansereau Roll Call of the Posts – Department Adjutant Report of Credentials Committee9:15am District Offi cer Reports-5 Minute each9:45am WALRUS Report-Director SAL Report-Charlie Keith10:00 Department Awards10:30am Report on National Convention – Department Adjutant12:00pm LUNCH1:00pm Reconvene – Final Report of Credentials Committee1:10pm Special Business New Business Resolutions Committee Unfi nished Business1:20pm Caucus 1:30pm Election of Department Offi cers Department Commander Department Vice Commander Department 2nd Vice-Commander Department Finance Offi cer Election of Delegates to the 100th National Convention Appointment to National Committees-NEC Terry Miller2:15pm BREAK2:30pm Confi rmation of 2019 Department convention – Post #14 2019 Convention – 2020 Convention – Good of The American Legion3:30pm Confi rmation of District Offi cers Installation of Department Offi cers4:00pm New Department Commander remarks Benediction Retire the Colors Close Department Convention5:15pm Department Executive Committee Meeting5-8pm 40&8 Promenade-Post 66:00 – 8:00pm New Department Offi cers Picnic-Holiday (Lions) Park

Military Order of the Purple HeartAny Legion Member who has a

PURPLE HEART, or is aware of someone who is the recipient, and not a MEMBER of the Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH), and would like to join, please call 307-399-0545, for any questions and an application. Lifetime dues are $50, and the MOPH is involved in many worthwhile community and VA Projects. It is the only Veterans Organization made up exclusively of COMBAT WOUNDED Veterans!

The American Legion and Auxiliary DEPARTMENT OF WYOMING 100th and 98th ANNUAL CONVENTION

JUNE 21st to JUNE 23, 2018 ~ Hosted by Frances E. Self - Post 6 and Unit 6, Cheyenne, Wyoming


District 2Post 8 Douglas

Rhoads, John (37)Post 9 Glenrock

Hintz, Jim (22)Wagner, Ed (22)

Post 10 WheatlandBennett, Roy (11)Dinnel, Jack (17)Whinery, Melvin (39)

District 3Post 16 Powder River

Parkinson, James (20)District 4

Post 26 PowellWembeke, Francis (71)Paulsen, Larry (28)

Post 29 BasinHelling, Charley (7)

District 5

Post 3 NewcastlePiana, James (71)

Post 7 SheridanConnolly, Fred (27)

Post 13 BuffaloHeckman, Melvin (69)

Post 42 GilletteEmmons, George (1)

District 6Post 6 Cheyenne

Rein, Allen (26)Brown, Clarence (26)Drake, Herbert (8)

Squadron 14 LaramieMahaffey, Charles (37)

Post 122 RawlinsFord, Garland (19)

Post Everlasting 2018

Taps...

Please note...the number in the parenthesis denotes the continuous years of service to the American Legion.

Chaplains Report- Chaplain Vandivort

Springtime is upon us. We see the new growth budding from the earth right in front of our eyes. Do you ever think about the marvels of Gods Creation? If we just look around us we can see God in the beauty of this earth. Romans 1:20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead.

In Matthew 22:39 we are com-manded to love our neighbor as much as we love ourselves (Jim’s version). Love can be shown in many ways. As the temperatures rise and people start doing repairs, planting gardens and cleaning up around their homes and businesses there will be many oppor-tunities for us as Legionaries to help in our communities. We can offer support and assistance. If your neighbor needs encouragement, encourage them. If they need some help with a project, volunteer to help them. Many members of the American Legion are Journeymen Tradesmen. We have a lot of skills that can benefi t our neighborhoods. This is a basic way we can show that the American Legion is a constructive member of our communities. It’s the “hands on” help we give that means the

most. I believe in what the Bible has to say in the book of James in chapter 2, verses 14-18:

James 2:14 What does it profi t, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?

James 2:15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food,

James 2:16 and one of you says to them, «Depart in peace, be warmed and fi lled,» but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profi t?

James 2:17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

James 2:18 But someone will say, «You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.

The Legion has stood for the prin-ciples of SERVICE to GOD and COUN-TRY since it was founded. What we do to make those principles a reality will determine how those in our community perceive us. If we want more veterans to join the American Legion we must keep standing for what is right and do-ing what is right.

Chaplain VandivortDepartment Chaplain, [email protected]

LIT committee presenting Trust Director Bill Frye with Department of Wyoming’s royalties check.

Department of Wyoming’s royalties check

The 52nd meeting of the Le-gionnaire Insurance Trust Board Members met in Tucson Arizona on 17 April 2018 with 44 De-partments Present. AGIA is the insurance provider and is licensed and administered in all 50 states. The LIT Purpose: We craft benefi t

programs that help Veterans protect what they value most.

Since founded in 1966, the LIT has paid out more than $1Billion in benefi ts to Legionnaires and over $81K to Participating Departments. Wyoming has been participating

LIT

See ‘LIT’ page 6


1. All reports of the Department Offi cers and Committees may be submitted at any time, subject only to the will of the Department Commander.

2. Five minutes of time will be granted for pre-sentation of committee reports and minority committee reports.

3. In debate, each member has the right to speak twice on the same subject on the same day, except on an appeal, but cannot make a second speech on the same question, as long as any member who has not spoken on the question desires the fl oor. No one may speak longer than fi ve minutes at a time without permission of the assembly.

4. Nominating speeches for election of offi cers shall be limited to fi ve minutes, and seconding speeches to three minutes.

5. Any special business not hereinafter provided for may be taken up after fi rst obtaining the Depart-ment Commander’s permission.

6. The consumption of alcoholic beverages on the Convention fl oor, while the Department Conven-tion is in session, will not be permitted.

7. When balloting, the unit rule shall not prevail. The Chairman of each delegation shall cast the bal-lot of his delegation as instructed by the individual members thereof.

ROBERT RULES OF ORDER GOVERN THIS CONVENTION

The order of business will be as follows:1. Report of Committee on Rules and Order of

Business2. Report of Credentials Committee.3. Consideration of Special Business.4. Consideration of New Business.5. Report of Resolution Committee, followed by

discussion and disposition of each resolution as read.6. Unfi nished Business.7. Caucus8. Election of following offi cers: • Commander • Vice Commander • 2nd Vice Commander • Finance Offi cer9. Delegates and Alternates to the 100th National

Convention to be held in Minneapolis, MN, 24 Aug – 30 Aug, 2018

• Each Department is entitled to 5 delegates and alternates and one additional delegate and alternate for each 1,000 members or major fraction thereof. The Department of Wyoming is entitled to 12 delegates and 12 alternates.

• As provided for in the Department By-Laws Article III, the outgoing and incoming Department Commanders and Department Adjutant are auto-matically delegates to the National Convention and provided further, that at each District Convention one (1) delegate and one (1) alternate to the National Convention shall be elected.

• The National Executive Committeemen is a delegate to the National Convention per National Constitution Article VII Section 3 and does not factor in the department allocation.

10. Confi rmation of the 2019 Convention City11. Good of the Order12. Installation of 2018/19 Department and

Conformation of 2018/19 District Offi cers13. Adjournment

Report Of The Committee On Rules

And Order Of Business

The American Legion

remember that

FREEDOM

and

www.Legion.orgMemorial DayThe American Legion - Veterans Still Serving America

IS NOT FREE.


DEPARTMENT OFFICER ENDORSEMENTS

since 1967 with over $400K paid back to the Department through the trust.

They have moved from TransAmerica to their new un-derwriter Securian Life Insur-ance Company. With the new underwriter comes new ideas and new policies. eHealth has been named the new Medicare program provider and serves over 25 insurance companies and includes Medicare Advan-tage. New areas they are cur-rently researching are personal/home security, enhancements to Long Term Care, and an extended service plans for vehicles. While not a vehicle warranty, the plan would take care of incidentals other insur-ance would not cover. They will also be researching if this per-tains to motorcycles and could possibly be of benefi t to our Legion Riders. New Customer

Service programs and training programs are in place to better serve our members.

Ensure you keep your Le-gion membership current. Ben-efi ts are not paid unless your membership is current. Check out the website TheLIT.com for information and benefi ts.

The AGIA Team and the Legion Insurance Trust are available for meetings and con-ferences. They have laptops, displays and can assist in Face-book and newspaper advertis-ing. The more Legionnaires in the program the more befi ts can be provided. Continue to spread the word. AGIA is con-tinually striving to improve the program and provide benefi ts to our members. What would you like to see?

Bill FryeTrust Director,Department of Wyoming

LIT From page 4

To our men and women in uniform, past, present, and future, God bless you

and thank you.


District 5 Wrap Up - Don Sillivan, District Commander

DISTRICT NEWS

This is my last District 5 Article to write for the newspaper. I want to thank all the District 5 Posts for the opportunity of working our Legion Programs with you. I enjoyed meeting you people and calling you friends.

Congratulations to Newcastle Post members Deb French and John Hol-loway for stepping up and accepting the District Commander and District Vice Commander positions for next

year. I know that all District 5 Posts will support you.

Post 3 Newcastle – thank you Post 3 members and Don Dafoe in hosting Spring Convention. Great Job! The Post has started several new projects this year working with the school and community. They are sending fi ve (5) young men to Boys State. I’m looking forward to the “Motorcycle Rodeo” on July 7th at the Fairgrounds.

District 3 Convention April 15th – Riverton, WY

Commander Ken Persson, Sr, along with Vice Commander Rick Dansereau, Jr presenting Post 19 –Riverton Commander Warren Hess with a Certificate of Appreciation for hosting the District 3 Convention.

April 15th – Riverton, WY Service Office Dwight Null presenting Post 33 Commander Ken Persson, Jr with an award for their donation to help the widow of a deceased Vet with funeral expenses.

Post 7 Sheridan – Commander Jim Schlenker it has been a pleasure work-ing with you and Post 7. Remember I am just down the road if you need help with a project. Good luck on acquiring a new Post Home.

Post 13 Buffalo – thanks guys for the support you gave me as District Commander and also for taking care of Post activities while I’m down south. You guys jump in and help promote our

Legion Programs. The “Honor Guard” does a great job on Veteran’s Day, Memorial Day and the many funerals.

Post 25 Moorcroft – you had another good year with membership and supporting the Legion Programs. You are having a positive effect in the community. I know you will get behind your new District Offi cers.

Post 42 – it has been a struggle this past year. With new leadership, a good attitude and working together you will come back and be stronger than ever. Thank you to Commander Walters and Adjutant Denise.

Post 45 Sundance – at the begin-ning of the year, I was afraid we would lose Post 45. It shows real dedication to The American Legion when you grabbed the bull by the horns and pulled the Post back. All members under the direction of Com-mander Jim Bowman have excelled in membership and setting the direction for your Post to go. Thank you for helping make District 5 #1.

Post 80 Hulett – thank you for another good year in membership. It is good to see how a small Post comes together to do Legion Programs and working in the community.

Post 90 Kaycee – I am hoping next year will be a better one for Post 90. Currently you are three members under the required ten (10). Beat the bushes and hit ten (10) members.

Also thank you to Department Commander Persson, Department 1st Vice Dansereau and Department 2nd Vice Cooke for your understand-ing and willingness to work with District 5. I have enjoyed working with you.

District 4 ConventionApril 14th – Thermopolis, Wy

Service Officer Dwight Null presenting Post 29 Commander John Bubla with an award for their donation to help the widow of a deceased Vet with funeral expenses.

Commander Ken Persson, Sr, along with Vice Commander Rick Dansereau, Jr presenting Post 11 – Lovell Commander Rich Fink with a Certificate of Meritorious Service from National.

Commander Ken Persson, Sr, along with Vice Commander Rick Dansereau, Jr presenting Post 18 – Thermopolis Commander Nate Messenger with a Certificate of Appreciation for hosting the District 4 Convention.


District 2 Vice Commander Don York and 2nd place Winner Alecxander Christensent – District 4

Commander Ken Persson, 1st place Winner Grace Anderson – District 5, and District 2 Vice Commander Don York

DISTRICT NEWS

Oratorical Winners

District 2 Vice Commander Don York and 3rd place Winner Jaylynne Brough – District 3

Hello Legionnaires,It’s just a fl ower !I’ve heard a few young people make that state-

ment.They don’t understand the true meaning behind

the small RED POPPY.To the men and women of World War 1 and World

War 2 it touches their hearts more than anyone can possibly understand.

Those of us who have worn the uniform and have been well educated in the meaning of the POPPY and the many things that it represents always give it the respect it deserves.

We have often heard the poem “In Flanders Fields” and it holds a place in each of our hearts.

“After World War I, the poppy fl ourished in Europe. Scientists attributed the growth to soils in France and Belgium becoming enriched with lime from the rubble left by the war. From the dirt and mud grew a beautiful red poppy. The red poppy came to symbolize the blood shed during battle following the publication of the wartime

poem “In Flanders Fields.” The poem was written by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, M.D. while serving on the front lines.

On September 27, 1920, the poppy became the offi cial fl ower of The American Legion family to memorialize the soldiers who fought and died during the war. In 1924, the distribution of pop-pies became a national program of The American Legion.

Led by the American Legion Auxiliary, each year members of The American Legion Family distribute poppies with a request that the person receiving the fl ower make a donation to support the future of veterans, active-duty military personnel and their families with medical and fi nancial needs.

Poppy Day is celebrated in countries around the world. The American Legion brought National Poppy Day® to the United States by asking Con-gress to designate the Friday before Memorial Day, as National Poppy Day.”

Wearing the poppy every chance you get is always respectful to those that went before us but,

On May 25, wear a red poppy to honor the fallen and support the living who have worn our nation’s uniform. (reference The American Legion website)

Please do your best to assist our great Legion Auxiliary as they distribute Poppies and educate the public about the wearing of the Poppy.

Be Proud, Be Patriotic, Be Dedicated, Be Legion but most of all Be American !!!

“My Oath Of Enlistment Has No Expiration Date”

God Bless America and The American LegionDean Welch D3 [email protected]

District 3 News

WEBSITE FOR DD214 -

HTTP://VETRECS.ARCHIVES.GOV/

…. is a program where we would like to see each Post perform dili-gence and appoint a local Chairman. It is too big a project to be “dumped” on the Adjutant, or the Commander, or to “hope” the school will promote for us. For the program to be truly successful, every Post should have a year-round spokesman beating the bushes and “shouting it from the roof tops”.

In the current year eight (8) Posts provided over Two Thousand Eight Hundred Fifty Dollars ($2850.00) in scholarships divided among fi fteen (15) contestants. The posts holding contests were: Archie Hay Post #24; Philip Edward Post #47; Samuel Mares Post #8; Don Stough Post #33; Robert Boyd Stewart Post #11; Hughes-Pittinger Post #26; Roy Montgomery Post #80: and Francis E. Self Post #6

The Department Contestants, in order of placement, were, Grace Anderson Post #80; Alecxander Christensen, Post #11; Jalynne Brough (rhymes with rough), Post #33; Hailey Moss, Post #8; Elizabeth Cozzens, Post #24; Coleden Church, Post #6.

Other District winners were: Treven Keeler, 2nd, Post #26, Katelyn Hayward, 2nd, Post #47.

The District awards are First $200.00; Second $100.00; Third $50.00

The Department awards are First

$500.00 and represent the Depart-ment at the National Contest; Second $400.00; Third $200.00

These scholarships, along with any National awards may be used any time within eight (8) years for post-secondary education.

We had an unusual experience this year with the program. There was to be a speech and debate contest in Newcastle, but due to adverse weath-er, various schools did not attend, but rather than waste a good weekend, a few of the speech kids from Powell chose to compete in a local, and at the time unplanned, contest.

I want to extend a heart felt thank you to every post and Legionnaire that made the program what is was. In this program, there are no losers. The Post wins, the Community wins, The State of Wyoming wins, The American Legion wins, and most of all, every participant that looks at yesterday’s, today’s or tomorrow’s issues through the lens of The United States Constitution is a winner. Our lives are, and their lives will be, richer.

For God and Country, can you and your post dedicate a scholar-ship fundraising program to entice tomorrows’ leaders to look at the future through the lens of citizen re-sponsibilities laid down in the United States Constitution?

Since 1919, The American Legion

The American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship“A Constitutional Speech Contest”

has supported the pillar of American-ism, and to encourage and support our youth to talk the rights and responsi-

bilities of the citizen is the most basic form of Americanism.

Donald L. York, Chairman


POST NEWS

The Moorcroft Post has been active in community projects and activities this year. We conducted ceremonies and participated in veteran’s awareness activities in Moorcroft and Pine Haven. Most notable would be the Veteran’s day program in Pine Haven. No Memorial Day ceremony was conducted in 2017 due to lack of manpower.

We had Veteran’s Day Dinner in Moor-croft again this past year and had 26 people in attendance. The dinner this year was held in the Moorcroft Town Center and this probably contributed to the low turn out. We considered it a success anyway with the help of our Auxiliary.

We donated to the Christmas Basket for the Moorcroft Chamber of Commerce. We donated to the 4 H Citizenship project, and the Moorcroft High School Post Prom party fundraiser as we do every year. We also have provided a POW/MIA Flag to the local High School for their use in Veterans Ceremonies.

We had moved our home to the Moorcroft Senior Center, and it has allowed us to assist

them with their projects, as well as give us a place to have meetings and events. The Senior Center recently purchased a new building which we will be moving in with them, which will give us a meeting room of our own and some storage space. Coupled with this we purchased a gun safe to go in this space so that we can safely store our cer-emonial fi rearms as well as ammunition. To go with this we had all our M-1’s refurbished by having the old stocks refi nished and they look nicer now and should last longer. We should have this project completed soon.

Our Facebook page continues to help us get word out about events and goings on, and we continue to work on it to expand.

We continue to advance the causes of our veterans and to bring recognition to the American Legion whenever possible. We believe we have heightened the awareness of the community to our existence, and are seen as a positive in the community.

Ed Robinson, Commander

Moorcroft American Legion Post #25 Annual Report 2017 Angus England Post 54 Saratoga is holding a gun raffl e to

raise money for the Tyler Pickett Memorial Park. Army Staff Sergeant Tyler Pickett was a native of Saratoga. He was a Wyoming wrestling champion from the Saratoga Panthers. He was 28 years old and assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team of 100th Moun-tain Division. He died June 8, 2008 in Iraq defending the lives of his men from a mobilized suicide bomber attack.

Pickett’s awards and decorations include the Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman Badge, Army Commendation Medal with “V” device, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terror-ism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon Army Achievement Medal, Expert Infantry Badge, Parachutist Badge and the Air Assault Badge.

The weapon is a Mark V Camilla Deluxe Weatherby Mag-num. The Winner has a choice of caliber: 240, 270, 7mm or 300 Weatherby Magnum. The cost is

$20 a ticket with only 500 tickets to be sold. The drawing will be on July 4th at the site of Tyler Pickett Memorial Park. The proceeds will go to the Tyler Pickett Park and Post 54.

Please help us to honor one of Wyoming’s own Fallen Heroes. You can contact Post 54 at 307-326-

9600.Thank you for your help.

Post 54


As I was attending Spring Confer-ences around the state it dawned on me that my year was almost over. This is going to be bittersweet in June when I hand over the gavel to our new Department President.

I am going to miss meeting new people and seeing new places. I am not leaving but just moving on to a different level to learn all I can about this wonderful organization. So I still want all the members to “Follow the Road for the Veterans.” Never stop doing what you are doing for them.

One can never explain about the hospitality I have been shown as I have traveled around the state. I have lived here all my life and found places I had never been to.

On a lighter note I encourage all the members new and old to get on the National Website and go to the ALA Academy. At the moment they

have only 3 segments of information you can enroll in. One is the history of the ALA, one is on Leadership

and the last one is com-munications.

I hope each and every one of take advantage of what this organization has to offer. We have a national website along with the one for our Department. It will answer almost every ques-tion that you may have

As our Department convention begins I hope and pray for good weather and safe travels. I want to thank Cheyenne Unit 6 for all the hard work they have put into this event.

Once again thank you for a won-derful year and God bless each and every one of you that have made my time as your Department President as special and memorable as it was.

Vicki PaddockDepartment President

Vicki Paddock

FOLLOW THE ROAD FOR VETERANSFOLLOW THE ROAD FOR VETERANS

Department SecretaryPeg Sillivan

MORE than Tidbits From Your Department Offi ce

Thank you to all the Spring Conference Unit hostess: Tonya-Newcastle, Joan-Wheatland, Trudy-Thermopolis, Nettie-Riverton, Nan-cy S-Pinedale and Joyce-Medicine Bow. It was great hear what all the units did this past year. ALL members pat yourself on the back for a job well done. I now have a face to go with names in District 6!

Thank you for double checking your new unit dues.

Unit Convention Packets not picked up at Convention will be in the mail by Tuesday, June 26th. There are changes made on some of the forms so please as you receive a new form. Throw out the old. Watch the mail.

We are going back to fi ve (5)

issues of the Auxiliare. Months are September, November, January, March and June. Please let Offi ce know if you have members who don’t read or want the newspaper sent to them. The newspaper will also be available on the webpage.

Coming July 1st, the Department will have a NEW telephone number and a NEW professional looking webpage. The website will be shorter and the much user friendly. Everyone attending Department Convention will have an opportunity to see the webpage although it won’t be up until July.

YOU are and will continue to fol-low our Mission Statement:

In the spirit of Service, Not Self, the mission of the American Legion Auxiliary is to support The American Legion and to honor the sacrifi ce of those who serve by enhancing the lives of our veterans, military, and their families, both at home and abroad. For God and Country, we advocate for veterans, educate our citizens, mentor youth, and promote patriotism, good citizenship, peace and security.

Follow the Road for Veterans

Creative Arts Festival held in Sheridan on March 5th. Department Pres. Vicki, Edie Steiner, Johnny Means and Edie Taffner judging.

Creative Arts Festival

(Left) Creative arts 2018 ceramics winner

Creative arts 2018 painted ceramics

The American Legion Auxiliary

Department of Wyoming

Honoring those who have servedour great nat ion


American Legion Auxiliary News

In the Clouds

Units please make sure you send your Chaplain form to Gina Dusel; 218 R Street; Rock Springs 82901 or email: [email protected]

IN MEMORIAMJanis A Jelinek Past Department President & National Vice President Unit #14Fran Geiseck Past Department President Unit #6 Elaine Stockmon Unit #6Connie Helmer Unit #6 Jean Conzelman Unit #80Georgia Graves Unit #8 Elsie Bard Unit #13

SYMPATHY CARDSDora Jones - Nephew- Unit #6 Mae Neiman - Stepdaughter- Unit #80Zeta Anderson - Father - Unit #80 Helen Salves - Daughter n law - Unit #26Wanda Jahing - Mother- Unit #80 Shareen Johnson - Father- Unit #33Kathy Ebet - Father - Unit #33 Kristeen Sturgeon- Father - Unit #33Cheryl Quick - Sister - Unit #95 Trudy Anderson - Brother - Unit #26Kristan Getchel - Grandfather - Unit #24 Rebecca Tammany - Father - Unit #24Deanna Crouch - Father - Unit #24

GET WELL & THINKING OF YOUKathy Gibson Unit #6 Martie Harbick Unit #6Aracalee Millhollin Unit #33 Jane Halden #14Marie Miller Unit #13 Elaine Beaton Unit #13Betsy Kirkpatrick Unit #6 Linda Hartly Unit #36Jackie Graham Unit #26 Elsie Gley Unit #6

American Legion AuxiliaryMembership Report 2018

May, 2018

Ladies,I began this year with an article

that asked “What is your why?” Why are you a member of the American Legion Auxiliary? What do you stand for? And why is your membership important to you. I also challenged you to share this with others, and use it as a recruitment tool. Has it worked?

Judging from the enthusiasm and pride I witnessed as I attended the District meetings I would say “Yes”. While our overall membership num-bers are still at 93% of our totals last year, I witnessed members still striving to make 100% goal,(please remember that we hoped to make this by Memorial Day.)

I am pleased to hear of the many units that have strived to recover from lost members due to death, while it is never possible to replace someone, welcoming a new member into our organization is always our goal. We provide a great service to our veterans, and the need to do so is only increas-ing as we continue to send our service members into battle.

In preparation for my trip to the

Leadership Conference in Indianapo-lis, I was required to take the newest addition to the ALA academy. This course (available to all members at alaforveterans.org) focuses on the subject of goodwill (not the store) and the importance of creating this culture amongst our units. This can be applied to thought, word, and deed. I strongly encourage all of you to take advantage of this course. I know one unit took some of these courses as a group and really benefi tted from the discussion that ensued. As I have said in the past, and will continue to do so, we have an amazing program that sells itself, if only we let people know about us.

Please continue to serve our veter-ans, and help the ALA to grow, a must for our continued success. Each and every one of you is indeed amazing, and again I ask “What is your why?”

Thank you for allowing me the privilege to serve you this past year, and I look forward to many in the future.

Susan Dansereau, Dept. Vice-President

Membership Musings….

The NEC (Nat’l Executive Com-mittee) of the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) met on Saturday, February 24, 2018 in Indianapolis, IN. Linda Feezer, NEC (Nat’l Ex-ecutive Committeewoman) was in attendance representing Wyoming.

Business consisted of approv-ing Charter Cancellations of ALA Units, approving National Appoint-ment Changes and updating Nat’l policies: the Nat’l ALA Travel Policy and the Nat’l ALA Social Media Policy. Also reports were given on the ALA Nat’l Founda-tion, the Nat’l Audit Committee, the Nat’l Finance Committee and an update on the Nat’l 2017-18 Budget of the ALA.

A report was given by Chairman Linda Boone on the tenth birthday of the ALA Foundation, celebrated at the National Convention in Reno NV in August of 2017. The Foun-dation has given out $500,00.00 in awards to ALA projects in those ten years.

Reports were also given by Nat’l Audit Committee Chair Pam

Jackson, Nat’l Finance Commit-tee Chair Peggy Thomas and Mike Alerding, CPA, and Sr. Director of the Alerding CPA Group gave an update on the current budget of the organization. National Secretary Dubbie Buckler followed with a report from Nat’l Headquarters.

Program announcements were given by several of the current National Chairmen of various programs. Nat’l Chairman of the ALA 100th Anniversary Celebra-tion Linda Newsome gave a report concerning the upcoming celebra-tion also.

A resolution was approved by the current NEC to approve online preprinted membership cards as valid ID of membership as well as the preprinted cards. A copy of this resolution is available to see in the materials of the current NEC, as well as other materials discussed during the meeting. If you are interested in seeing any of these materials, please contact Linda Feezer, NEC for Wyoming, and those materials will be available for you to look at.

National Executive Committee Meeting – February 24, 2018


1. That all sessions of this convention shall be called to order promptly.2. No one shall enter or leave the hall while a speaker has the fl oor. She

must also be accompanied by a page if leaving the convention hall.3. No smoking is permitted in convention hall. Smoking allowed in des-

ignated areas only.4. A member desiring the fl oor shall rise, address the Chair and give her

name and Unit.5. If requested, all motions shall be handed to the Chair in writing.6. All votes, except the election of offi cers shall be announced by the Chair-

man of the Delegation.7. The maker of a motion shall be permitted to open and close debate on

that motion.8. Each person, except the maker of a motion shall speak but once o n a mo-

tion. Time limit three minutes. No District shall be permitted to speak on a motion the second time unless another District as spoken on that motion.

9. Each delegate desiring the privilege of the Convention must wear her badge where it can readily be seen.

10. An alternate taking the place of a delegate at any meeting must wear the delegate’s badge.

11. Only members of the Department and qualifi ed delegates shall have the privilege of the fl oor.

12. Voting shall be by acclamation except when a roll call is demanded by the Chairman of at least three Districts and except in the election of Depart-ment Offi cers, in which case it shall be as provided in the Department Constitution and Bylaws.

13. The number of votes to which each Unit is entitled shall be the same as recorded in the fi nal report of the Credentials Committee.

14. Members of the Department Executive Committee in attendance shall cast their votes separately, in response to roll calls, or with their delega-tion, in which case their votes shall be added to the number to which the respective Unit are already entitled.

15. Each delegate is entitled to one vote. The votes of any delegate absent and not represented by an alternate, shall cast with the majority vote of the delegates present from her Unit.

16. That all committees of the Auxiliary refer any contemplated changes in a policy to a similar committee in the Legion.

17. One minute must elapse between the making of the last nomination for any offi ce before nominations be closed.

18. Each Unit must be seated in its own District.19. Each Unit represented shall be entitled to vote its entire strength, the

absent vote being cast with the majority vote of said Unit. In case of a tie vote, the vote shall be equally divided between those tying.

20. No Unit shall be allowed to yield its prior position to any other Unit for the purpose of nominations.

RULES OF CONVENTION

Cheyenne, WyomingJune 21st thru June 23rd, 2018The 98th Annual Convention of the

American Legion Auxiliary, Depart-ment of Wyoming is hereby called to be held in Cheyenne, Wyoming June 21st, 22nd and 23rd, of 2018.

PURPOSETo receive reports of Department

Offi cers and Chairmen; To elect Department Offi cers for

the ensuing year; To receive and take action on

proposed changes to the Department Constitution and Bylaws;

To transact such other business as may come before the Department Convention.

PRESENTATION and REGIS-TRATION

Representation in the Department Convention shall be by Units. Each Unit shall be entitled to one delegate for each 15 members or major frac-tion thereof and one delegate-at-large, whose current dues shall have been received by the Department Secretary-Treasurer 30 (thirty) days prior to the

meeting of said convention. Delegates and alternates shall be elected by a ma-jority vote of those present at a meeting called for that purpose not later than 30 (thirty) days prior to the Depart-ment Convention. Certifi cation of delegates should be made promptly to the Department Secretary-Treasurer after their election.

All Past Department Presidents of Wyoming in good standing in a Unit in the Department of Wyoming shall be life delegates-at-large to the Department Convention with votes to be exercised with or aside from their Units. One delegate from each Unit will cast the entire vote of her Unit on all ballots. The voting strength of her Unit will be based upon the total membership on the books of the Department Secretary-Treasurer as of May 29th. All delegates are required to register. The registration fee will be $10.00.

DEPARTMENT EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE SESSION

A meeting of the Department Ex-ecutive Committee is hereby called,

as provided by Article IV, Section 1, of the Department Bylaws and will be held at 10:30 am at Red Lion Ho-tel, 204 W Fox Farm Rd; Cheyenne WY, June 21, 2018. All Executive Committee members as provided in Section 1 of Article IV are expected

to attend. Failure to attend will pre-vent them from collecting convention expenses, as allowed.

Vicki Paddock, Department Presi-dent

Peg Sillivan, Department Secre-tary-Treasurer

OFFICIAL CALL TO CONVENTION


Thursday June 21, 20189:30 am Finance Committee Meeting- Red Lion Hotel10:30 am Department Executive meeting1:30 pm Opening of Convention Posting of Colors Call to order by Department President Invocation by Chaplain Gina Dusel Moment of Silence Pledge of Allegiance led by Americanism Chairman Gina Dusel Preamble to the Constitution of the ALA led by C&B Chairman Tammy Harris Welcome Response Introduction of ALA District, Department & National Offi cers District 1 – Sunny Hobbs & Gina Dusel District 2- Kathy Troupe & Alise Schwab District 3 – Jessie Poire & Pat Persson District 4- Trudy Zaffarona-Anderson & Susan Sironen District 5- Linda Johnson & Melba Bennett District 6- Joyce Menke & Diana Galbraith Department Parliamentarian Linda Orr Department Historian Sunny Hobbs Department Chaplain Gina Dusel Department Secretary-Treasurer Peg Sillivan Department Vice President Susan Dansereau National Executive Committeewoman Linda Feezer Department President Vicki Paddock Northwest Division National Vice President Peggy Miller National Education Committeewoman Linda Feezer Introduction of Past Department President Reading of Call to Convention Department Secretary Peg Sillivan Reading of the Rules of Convention –Tammy Harris Introduction of Sgt. of Arms- Lalani Johnson and Asst Sgt of Arms Melba Bennett Introduction of Convention Chairperson and committee Martie Harbick Roll call of offi cers and Units Introduction of Convention Committee Appointees: Credentials – Belle Temple & Sonja Wright Rules and Courtesy Resolution – Sunny Hobbs Election Judge and Tellers Notebook Committee Report of Finance Committee Minutes of Pre-Convention Department Executive Committee Resolutions by Constitution and By-Laws – Tammy Harris3:00 pm Break3:15 pm Committee Reports Past Presidents Parley Public Relations-Betsy Kirkpatrick Audit-Michelle Lofgren, Belle Temple Auxiliary Emergency Fund-Martie Harbick History-Dora Jones & Unit 6 Constitution & by-Laws – Tammy Harris Membership –Susan Dansereau NEC –Linda Feezer Finance – Linda Orr4:30 pm Tidbits by Peg4:45 pm Recess6:00 pm Registration & Welcome Meal at Post 6

Friday June 22, 20187:00 am Past President’s Parley Breakfast – Post 69:00 am Reconvene Roll Call of Offi cers and Units Reading of the Rules for Electing ALA Department Offi cers Nomination of ALA Department Offi cers Reading of the Rules for Nominating Delegates/Alternates to National Convention Nomination of Delegates/Alternates to National Convention

Introduction of 2018-2019 ALA District President Nominees Introduction of 2018-2019 District Vice Presidents Credentials Report Reading of Resolutions Committee Reports Americanism – Gina Dusel Education- Belle Temple Community Service- Ginger Fross Children & Youth – Linda Johnson10:30 am Break and Greetings to the Legion10:45 am Memorial Service- Gina Dusel Committee reports Child Welfare Foundation – Linda Johnson Juniors – Sunny Hobbs Legislative – Dora Jones National Security – Sonja Wright Tidbits by Peg11:45 am Break for VA/R Luncheon 1:30 pm Committee Reports Girls State – Shareen Johnson Poppy – Donna Gladson and Edie Taffner Veteran’s Affairs & Rehabilitation – Trudy Zaffrona- Anderson Cheyenne VA – Bobbie Gertsch and Betsy Kirkpatrick Sheridan VA – Linda Orr and Ramono Jacobs Wyoming Veterans Home – Edie Taffner Membership- Susan Dansereau2:30 pm District Reports D1 Sunny Hobbs D2 Kathy Troupe D3 Jessie Poire D4 Trudy Zaffarano-Anderson D5 Linda Johnson D6 Joyce Menke3:45 pm RECESS4:30 pm The American Legion Memorial Service – Post 66:00 pm Social Hour and Commander’s and President’s Banquet (Red Lion Inn)

Saturday June23, 20187:00 am ALA Past Department President’s breakfast 9:00 am Reconvene Convention Roll Call of Offi cers and Units Credentials Report Election of District Offi cers Resolution Voting Election of Department Offi cers10:15 am Break10:30 am Nomination of Delegates & Alternates to National Conventio 2017-2018 Department of Wyoming Offi cers Reports National Executive Committeewoman – Linda Feezer Historian – Sunny Hobbs Chaplain – Gina Dusel Secretary- Treasurer- Peg Sillivan Vice President – Susan Danserau Report on Mission Training Report on DLNC11:45 am Break for Americanism Lunch 1:30 am Reconvene Convention Election of Delegates & Alternates to National Convention Reading of Courtesy Resolutions Introduction of Delegates & Alternates to National ConventionAcceptance Speech of 2018-2019 Department President3:00 pm Newly elected Department Installation 2017-2018 Department Presidents’ Report3:30 pm Retire Colors and close convention4:00 pm Meeting of National Delegates & Alternates Post Department Executive Committee Meeting5:00 pm Picnic

AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARYDEPARTMENT OF WYOMING 98TH ANNUAL CONVENTION

JUNE 21 - 23, 2018 ~ Cheyenne Post 6 - Cheyenne, Wyoming


SPRING CONFERENCE

District 1 Ft. Bridger made the Best Hat Award.

District 3 Memorial for deceased members.

District 4 Leadership.

District 5 Military Child’s Table

District 2 Torrington Unit 5 presented long time member Dorothy Brown with a watch to show their appreciation. DP Kathy presented it.

District 6 Leadership


The District NewsDistrict 1 - President Sunny Hobbs

The women of District 1 reported a total of $72,950.00 spent and 12,488.25 hours volunteered across all programs this year.

We held our Spring Conference in Pinedale on 21April, with six of eight Units represented and 25 members in attendance. It was a wonderful morn-ing, and I am again humbled and impressed by the work being done in this District. I am excited to work with all these women again in the coming year. See you all at Convention in Cheyenne!

Archie Hay Unit 24 Rock Springs is excited to continue its upward trajectory. The Unit has again spent time promoting Legion Family events to help solidify our Post Home. Through a chili cookoff, holiday parties for Family children, and volunteering at the Family Picnic they have striven to strengthen the Post bond. The Unit is also active in the community, with the fourth Annual Veter-ans Awareness Walk attracting over 100 walkers this year, and the fi rst Annual Veterans Day Baby Basket making all the local news sources. The Unit is honored to be the home of the Department Vice President, Chaplain, and Historian.

Tom Whitmore Unit 28 Green River has really stepped out into the community this year taking part in fl ag laying ceremonies, the Books for Soldiers program, an Art in the Park event, adopting families for holidays, starting a town wide veteran centerpiece program, assisting with the town Christmas Tree lighting ceremony, and getting a foot in the door at the local high school for next year. They have continued to grow their Post Home as well with monthly BINGO and Post dinners. Unit 28 also hosted the Department Midwinter Conference with National President Diane Duscheck in attendance.

The fi rst annual Veteran’s Day Run was held this year in Green River. With approximately 200 participants across the 5K, 10K, and Veteran’s 1-Mile walk it was a huge success! Senator Enzi was in attendance, giving a short speech and par-ticipating in the walk, the local high school band played at the fi nish line, and the Radio Network donated to the Post’s Veterans Relief Fund. The second run is already scheduled.

Brenda’s Closet was also started by the Unit this year. After the death of charter member Brenda Barney, the Unit honored her by bringing her vision of a lending closet for local women to life. With over 130 formal and semiformal dresses currently available the project has become a triumph. The Unit plans to expand to include professional wear for women and to bring in suits/formal wear for men.

Unit 36 Fort Bridger has continued its tradition of giving to the local and surrounding communi-ties. The ladies hosted Department President Vicki for one of her two District 1 stops, ran a Hunter’s Widow Boutique, hosted multiple funeral recep-tions at the Post Home, and donated to local and regional hospitals.

Fort Bridger is host to the Veterans Freedom Festival each year, the largest patriotic festival in the area. Last year saw a Blackhawk, a poker run, Samuel Holiday -a Navajo code talker- give

a speech, and much more. It is a full day event with vendors, crafts, and activities. I encourage everyone who can to attend!

Inspired by the Wreaths Across America pro-gram, the ladies of Fort Bridger are gearing up to start a Wreath Across Bridger Valley program. With eight local cemeteries this is not going to be a small undertaking, but funds are already being raised and names are being collected. The Auxiliary will buy artifi cial wreaths to lay each year, then store for the next years use.

Unit 46 Alpine really goes beyond its town lines every year. They sent just short of 100 boxes of goodies to troops overseas this year, sent Christmas boxes to the Sheridan and Buffalo homes, worked with Wreaths Across America, and provided blankets for Project Linus. They provide food baskets at holidays locally and purchased a new freezer to accommodate donations at the local food bank. They also made a presentation at the local elementary school at Veterans Day, with the children making cards that were then sent out to troops worldwide.

Phillips-Edwards Unit 47 Pinedale just got done hosting our Spring Conference! They have sent multiple boxes of supplies to the Sheridan VA and have been collecting craft kits for the District 1 donation. Unit members collect Box Tops for Edu-cation, assist in Memorial, Flag, and Veterans Day events, and provide a local scholarship for $1000. Unit President Nancy Shaffer has been working hand-in-hand with a local veteran who has been having trouble applying for benefi ts from the VA. These ladies also hosted Department President Vicki at her second District 1 stop.

Unit 47 has started working with the Bak-Pak program, fi lling bags with food for school children to take home over the weekend. This program ensures that kids have food to eat when school is not in session.

Unit 88 La Barge has continued to be a back-bone in their small community. They provide the community birthday calendar, host BINGO over the winter months, support the local elementary at Veterans Day and Christmas, and volunteer for food donation and distribution for needy families in the area. This year they assisted in the Viola Cemetery cleanup and donated to the Honor Flight program.

District 2 President Kathy Troupe

Spring Conference was held on April 8 in Wheat-land, hosted by Ora Call Unit 10. Thank you to Unit l0 for a job well done. Twenty-four members represented 7 of our 10 units.

Unit reports covering the past year’s programs were read by 8 units. The reports show all the work done for their programs and the dedication they have to serving our veterans, military and their families. District Awards were given for unit program reports.

LaGrange Unit 70 received 1st Place for History and 2nd Place for Children & Youth and Education. Glendo Unit 15 received 2nd Place for Chaplain, Child Welfare, Community Service, Auxiliary Emergency Fund, Girls State, History, Junior Activities, Leadership, Legislative, National Security, Past Presidents Parley, Public. Relations,

Poppy, VA&R and 3rd Place for Children &Youth and Education. They tied Glenrock Unit 9 for Membership.

• Poppy Posters winners: Class I - 1st Place Hadley Evans, LaGrange Unit

70, 2nd Place Braden Stenson, Guernsey Unit 95. Class II - 1st Place Macy Tremain, LaGrange

Unit 70; 2nd Place Victoria Rich, Glenrock Unit 9. Class III -1st Place Ann-Marie Young, Glenrock

Unit 9; 2nd Place Tylar Stoddard, LaGrange Unit 70.

Class IV – 1st Place Jordan Stoddard, LaGrange Unit 70.

• Election of District 2 Offi cers was postponed until Department Convention.

• Torrington Unit 5 presented longtime member Dorothy Brown with a watch for her many years of service.

• Mary Hoyle and Dorothy Brown conducted the memorial service for Unit 8 - Barbara Read, Patricia Rathbun, Georgia Grave; Unit 15 - Louise Walker; Unit 9 Ruby Hulsey; Unit 70 - Lynn Brown; Unit 63 - Tarrie Goddard of Lingle; Unit 5 - PDP Fran Geisick, Beth Morgan and Janet Schwartzkopf; Unit 10 - Martha Lenz. As the names were called units told about the member.

Our District 2 units have worked all year for veterans, military and their families with great programs. Much time and effort has been put into year-end reports. Thank you to District 2 units for all you have done this past year.

District 4 President Trudy Zaffarano-Anderson

Powell Unit 26 held their annual cherry pie luncheon in February. The proceeds will help 9 high school recipients this year go to Girls State. “Valentines for Vets” were put together for 60 veterans and distributed at West Park Hospital, Powell Valley Health Care and the senior centers. A proclamation was signed for Poppy Day in Powell to be held May 19th. A Father’s Day skeet shoot is planned in June at the Rod and Gun Club. This past year, the Auxiliary donated over $1200 to as-sist veterans, including helping homeless veterans, providing cookies for the Sheridan VA hospital, and helping with other veteran needs.

Unit 44 Worland, 29 Basin and 32 Greybull Auxiliary members wore purple blouses and scarves at the District 4 convention meeting in Thermopolis as a visual way of showing support and to thank our military youth for their strength and sacrifi ces. Purple symbolizes all branches of military service with the combination of Army green, Marine red, Coast Guard & Air Force blue.

All the units in District 4 celebrated the American Legion Birthday by hosting a community pot luck dinner. Memorial Day will also be recognized by all these units by displaying fl ags at cemeteries, laying of poppy wreaths and the reading of the Flanders Field Poem.

District 5 President Linda Johnson

It has been an honor serving you as District 5 See ‘District News’ page 16


End of Year Report 2018WyomingI received 16 unit reports on Education. Three

of the units reported that they didn’t participate in the Education programs.

We had 2 units participating in Teacher Ap-preciation Week. They provided treats for the schools’ staff members.

There were 2 units that reported on “Give 10”. One unit gave each student a small fl ag, bookmarks, and patriotic pencils. The other unit gave away approximately 80 items, which included markers, notebook paper, pencils, pens, binders, folders, and backpacks. The value was about $125.00.

“Veterans in the Community Schools” was a program in which a number of units reported on. There were assemblies at schools, in which veterans spoke to the students. Students learned about fl ag etiquette and proper folding of the fl ag. Teachers had students write letters of thanks to veterans for their service. The comic book, “Our Country’s Flag” was handed out to

students. Veteran’s Day dinner was another way units showed the appreciation to our veterans.

Five units reported that they gave scholar-ships to graduating seniors. The amount of these scholarships was $2400. It was also reported that getting forms for the National Scholarships to the high schools was done. This resulted in a student from Wyoming having their application submitted to National.

Box Tops for Education had 496 collected. Labels for Education had 4090 labels and 20 pounds of pop tabs were collected to help schools with funding.

Units talked about essays contests. Units have different prompts for their essays. The prompts were for certain grade levels with different cri-teria for each level. Some units participated in Americanism essays.

Our units have done a great deal of work with the Education program and I am happy at this time to submit this report.

Belle TempleEducation Chair

Education Report

President. The District 5 Unit End-Of-The Year Impact Report speaks of your dedication, hours of service, donation, and devotion to the military, veterans, and children. Newcastle, you did a wonderful job hosting the conference. It was very nicely done. Thank you for all your hard work! You guys are the best! I had a wonderful two years. Have a great summer!

District 5 Conference Report:Newcastle Unit 3 hosted our Spring Conference

on April 7th in Newcastle at the Old Armory meet-ing room. Greetings were given by Tonja Dafoe, President of Newcastle Unit 3 with a response by Linda Ellefson, President of Hulett Unit 80.

District Offi cers were Linda Johnson President, Melba Bennett Vice President, Vicki Paddock Chaplain, Linda Orr Secretary, and Teresa Kanjas Sergeant-at- Arms.

Unit Presidents present were Tonya Dafoe Newcastle, Carol Ratliff Sheridan, Peg Sillivan Buffalo, Vicki Paddock Moorcroft, and Linda Ellefson Hulett.

Past District President attending were Pat Bock, Edie Taffner, Linda Orr, and Vicki Paddock.

Department Offi cers attending were Vicki Pad-dock President, Susan Dansareau Vice President, Peg Sillivan Secretary/Treasurer, and Linda Orr Parliamentarian. Linda Orr was the only Past Department present.

The Unit President reports were read and enjoyed as those attending heard how other units showed their method of participation in the programs. Poppy Posters were judged by Melba Bennett. We had a 1st place given in every division.

Melba Bennett of Sheridan was nominated as District 5 President Elect. She will be elected and installed as District 5 President at the Depart-ment Convention in Cheyenne. Carla Browne of Sheridan was nominated and elected for District 5 Vice President. Thank you ladies!

District 5 Unit End-Of-The-Year Impact Report:

District 5 has 627 auxiliary members in seven units.

Veterans/Military ServiceVolunteer Hours- 20,531Dollars spent-$15,638Veterans assisted-46,744In-Kind donations-$28,384ALA Service to Military FamiliesVolunteer hours-1,182Dollars spent-$600Military families served-597ALA Service for YouthHours for Girls State-549Dollars spent for Girls State-$4,389Dollars spent for direct aid for needy chil-

dren-$1,255Number of children and youth served-893Other child service charities-$2,240Community ServiceHours-12,102Dollars spent-$6,414Unit ScholarshipsNumber of scholarships-9Total amount of scholarships-$3,300District 5 Child Welfare Donations- $955.70Thank you for all that you do for the military,

veterans, and your community! Linda Johnson, President

District 6 President Joyce Menke

Success - our Spring Conference was fi lled with seeing District #6 Legion Family members and visiting Department offi cers. Seeing all the great members and hearing the ways they served our veterans, military and their families this last years. It so reminded me why I love this organization at the unit level. Made this year a memorable one for me. Thanks for the memories. We had fi ve of our seven units in attendance.

Unit #64 Medicine Bow24 Easter Meal Bags delivered to veterans.Served lunch for District # 6 Legion Family

members at Spring ConferenceSending 5 Girls State delegates with 65 hours

and spent $1525.Hosted Spring Conference with 27 attending.Awarded one scholarship for $250.Served 97 military families with 898 hours and

$150.Had a great turn out for our poppy poster contest.This year we served 1094 veterans for 2175

hours with $1040 and $679 in kind.Unit #77Missed seeing Albin at Spring Conference but

know that they are continuing their service to our veterans.

Unit #6 CheyenneWorking on 4 Girls State delegates.Awarded 3 scholarships for $500.00.Attended Spring Conference.Working on Department Convention.Served lunch at the VA Hospital.Marti was elected as next year’s district vice

president.

The District NewsFrom page 18

Unit #54 SaratogaHeld a silent auction.Sent funds for Department President Vicki’s

project.Unit President purchased $200 worth of items

for the No Longer Homeless.Care package project is on-going.Attended Spring Conference with Vice President

Diana being nominated as next year’s district president.Made plans for helping with the VA crisis hotline

for refreshments.Passed the dues increases.Unit #14 LaramieAttended Spring Conference.Sent in our Poppy Poster winner.Working with the Girls State delegates.Made plans for the Americanism challenge.Unit #60 Pine BluffsBrought a brick at the Veterans Park for the

Auxiliary.Served drinks and cookies monthly at the rest areaProvided meals for the Post during their monthly

meetings.Volunteered 1764 hours and spend $8,554 for

100 veterans.Placed yellow ribbons on veteran’s home for

Armed Forces Day.Served as Honor Guards for 7 funerals, Memo-

rial and Veteran’s Day.Spent $450 and 25 hours for military families.Collected school supplies for children in need.Donated money to send a Girls State Delegates.VA Chaplain got $25 for a couple workshop.AEF donation of $100, $100 for the VA Year

Around Christmas and CWF of $130.Raised money for a local girl’s funeral expenses.Making Care Burden Bears for the VA Chaplain.Served as District #6 secretary and Chaplain at

Spring Conference.


The Audit Committee completed the Department audit last summer and all records were found to be in order. The results were accepted by President Vicki. Congratulations go to all the Units who have begun completing an annual audit and the yearend reports received were appreciated. Good Job.

Michele Lofgren, Chairman

The units of the Department of Wyoming have been very busy this year carrying out the Children and Youth programs and providing donations to the Child Welfare Foundation. Our purpose is to work collaboratively with the American Legion to direct and sponsor programs and service that provide care and protection for nation’s children, especially those of our military and veterans.

Twenty one (21) units sent in their Children and Youth/Child Welfare Narrative. • John Donald Garbutt Unit 7 donated $276.41

to the Child Welfare Foundation. The unit hopes to join forces with the VFW Auxiliary to provide a Children’s Halloween Party in a smoke free environment next year.

• Powder River Unit 13 taught the Boys and Girls Club the proper way to fold a fl ag. The unit pur-chased gifts for the Toys for Tots. They purchased fl ag books for the local school and library.

• Samuel Mares Unit 8 made Children and Youth one of their priorities program this year. On Veterans Day, the members wander around the club with their CWF Pig asking for dona-tions of loose change for the Child Welfare Foundation. Their shirts said, “Feed the Pig, Feed the Children.” They collected $160 for Child Welfare Foundation.

• Phillips-Edwards Unit 47 provided food for the Sublette County Bak-Pak program food drive and collect Box Tops for education. They encourage all youth, especially junior members, to help with poppy distribution and other ceremonies in the auxiliary.

• Montgomery Roy Unit 80 donated $67.66 to the Child Welfare Foundation. Children’s books were donated to a local library and given away as prizes at a local event for children.

• Hughes-Pittinger Unit 26 knitted purple scarves and wore them during the month of April to show support for military children.

Flyers were distributed to local schools. There fi rst event that involving children and youth was Operation Homefront. The unit purchased items from the Dollar Tree and gave them to 27 military children with the extras going to Park County School District to help local children with school supplies. They donated $172.30 to the Child Welfare Foundation.

• Moorcroft Unit 25 donated $17.81 to the Child Welfare Foundation. The unit donated $50 to the Halloween party, Crook County 4H awards and Moorcroft Food baskets. The unit sponsors an after prom party to keep the children safe.

• Campbell County Unit 42 donated $206.55 to the Child Welfare Foundation. They helped an eight year old son of a veteran received Christmas gifts. His mom is a veteran suffering with PTSD. She served in Iraq with the U.S. Army. Every Christmas, the unit has a special gift tree for veterans/active duty military and their family.

• Pine Bluff Unit 60 donated $130 to the Child Welfare Foundation. The unit donated school supplies to the local schools, provided Christ-mas presents to a needy veteran’s family, and participated in the Pine Bluffs Elementary School’s Veteran’s Day Program.

• John Prince Unit 15 participated in many programs and services for children especially those of the military and veterans. The unit donated $25 to the Child Welfare Foundation.

• Richard Pogue Unit 81 donated many items to the local church, candy to the Boys and Girls Club, and healthy snacks to the Wind River Development Fund for their Halloween Party. The unit made a donation to the Child Welfare Foundation.

• Floyd Finch Unit 44 packs boxes for “Sup-port the Troop” each month which allows the community and the family of the deployed

support their love ones. They provide family time with food and activities for children at their local events.

• John A. McGill Unit 70 retired teacher offers free classed after school on Friday in February to promote Poppy Poster Contest. She dem-onstrates poster art methods and emphasizes American history, patriotism, and respect for our veterans and military.

• William Horne Unit 64 gave “Christmas Angel Gifts” to two military and fi ve local children in need. The unit donated $25 to the Child Welfare Foundation.

• Hole in the Wall Unit 90 donated $102 to the Child Welfare Foundation.

• John Prince Unit 15 youth participated in the Veteran’s Memorial and Honor Walk at Glendo Town Park on Veteran’s day.

• Fort Bridger Unit 36 sends boxes of goodies to the troops with letters from the Mormon Church Stake Center thanking them for their service.

• Casper Unit 2 donated $100 to the Child Welfare Foundation.

• Tom Whitmore Unit 28 volunteers in youth activities and organizations in their community. They donated $168.50 to the Child Welfare Foundation.

• Archie Hay Unit 24 had a busy Christmas. They had a Christmas party for 70 children, bought toys for 150 children for the toy run, and helped six children receive toys in the community. Unit 24 donated $371.20 to the Child Welfare Fund.

The ALA of Wyoming donated $2,107.70 to the Child Welfare Foundation.

Thank you, ladies! Linda JohnsonChildren and Youth Chairman Child Welfare Foundation LiaisonDepartment of Wyoming

Children and YouthChild Welfare Foundation

Budgeting for our Units and Department is get-ting harder and harder as our membership numbers dwindle and costs rise. Remember that your fi -nancial stability is the backbone of your Unit and allows you to support your community, youth and Post. Keep up the good work. And thanks to the Units who sent in an Annual Report so that we can see how you keep your fi nances in line.

Linda Orr, Chair

Did you know, YOU are a LEADER! Leaders are like cars, there are lots of makes and models.

Thank you MEMBERS. I received reports from every unit in the Depart-

ment. Some of you are saying, the unit never sent in a report. The unit did! What is the Offi cer and Chairman information all units sent in? How about the remittances and transmittals for membership and don’t forget the donation sheet? Units have a leadership team who keep the unit running. How about a chairman for at least one program (Poppy, Girls State and VA & R)? Who fi led the unit 990? In the Department Offi ce the one leadership standout was the “email contact”. What a postage saver. What about the 12 members who volunteered to go on ALA MIS

A summary of written leadership reports, 14 total follows:

Several units took part in the ALA Academy offered by National. The three courses were on

ALA History; Communication and Social. They reported the courses were very interesting and

hope other units take part.All units reported they do the “Opening and

Closing” according to the Unit Handbook and follow Parliamentary Procedure.

Others reported they purchased ALA Brand shirts from Emblem Sales, postcards and phone call to members for meetings and events; one unit taught students about MIA’s and on Veteran’s Day, the students explained and set the table for MIA’s; members served on several community boards/organizations; sponsored blood drives; worked with their Post on Memorial Day serving coffee and donuts at the cemetery and Veterans Day; units use Robert’s Rules of Order; learn protocol; mentoring new members and willingness to step down and not say, “We’ve always done it ….”; and not least starting a Unit Facebook page.

Peg Sillivan, Chairman

Leadership2018 Year End Report

Finance - Department

Audit Committee Annual Report


Visit us online at:www.wyamericanlegion.org

Where you will fi nd the latest news, up coming events, contact information and forms and publications.

Once again Wyoming Juniors have proven to be an immense help to the senior Units they are attached. My only Unit to report hours and money was Fort Bridger, and their contributions are in-cluded in their synopsis. There were no pictures turned in this year.

John Prince Unit 15 Glendo’s Juniors helped this year with a fl ag display on Memorial Day, and helped not only serve but make cookies for the Veterans Day Coffee. The girls also made over 150 Christmas cards to share with the states VA facili-ties! In addition to helping the Unit get donations for poppies at Memorial Day and Independence Day, the girls also designed and rode in a fl oat for the Glendo Dayz Parade.

Unit 25 Moorcroft has a young group of 6 active members, with most of their girls being elemen-tary school students. Despite their age, these girls walked in the Jubilee Parade handing out fl ags and candy, then helped with the ice cream social that followed. These young ladies helped serve dinner on Veterans Day after spending the morning and afternoon handing out poppies.

Unit 36 Fort Bridger has an incredibly active group of 24 Junior members. They are the winner

of the 2016-2017 Traveling Bell trophy the Depart-ment hands out for the best Americanism program run by a Junior unit. In addition to assisting at funer-als, meals, holding drawings, and helping Senior members at Memorial Day activities, these young ladies have an Adopt-a-Vet program and help with the Veterans Freedom Festival.

The Adopt-a-Vet program sees these Juniors drawing a name for a secret veteran pal that they give gifts to on holidays. They hold a luncheon at the end of each year for the Vets and girls to meet each other offi cially and share a visit.

The Veterans Freedom Festival is a full day af-fair, and last year included a Navajo Code Talker, Sam Holiday, and a Blackhawk helicopter. The Juniors ran multiple booths last year and will do so this year as well.

Fort Bridger Juniors report 311.15 hours and raised $525.

Our girls from Floyd Minch Unit 44 Worlandalso helped senior members during Memorial Day by placing wreaths and worked with Legionnaires to place (and later remove) fl ags from Veterans gravestones. These Junior members help serve and clean up after meals, collect donations for

poppies, and participated in the Unit’s annual Easter Egg Hunt.

Junior members from the Phillips-Edwards Unit 47 Pinedale are active during Poppy Day. They man a location and did very well getting donations for poppies this year. They also helped at the cemetery during the Memorial Day activities.

Donald Eisenhauer Unit 60 Pine Bluffs amazes me by having fi ve Junior members – all from out of town – that participate in Unit activities. They assisted in a root beer fl oat booth this year, as well as with a Hamburger Feed at the Post Home fol-lowing the Trail Days Parade.

One Junior member from William Horne Unit 64 Medicine Bow joined classmates in holding up signs thanking veterans – on Main Street – on Veterans Day. Another made cookies for not only local vets, but for the Cheyenne VA Hospital.

2017-2018 Junior Member Activities Award Winners

Andrews Memorial Trophy: Unit 36 Fort BridgerTraveling Plaque: William Horne Unit 64 Medi-

cine BowRespectfully submitted, Sunny Hobbs

National Security plays an important part in our organization. It is a partner with VA & R in helping our present troops and their families.

Wearing Red on Fridays is an effort to remind us and the public to remember our troops.

Even though there were no units reporting wear-ing red, I know of at least 2 units who do.

I received 11 reports from units around the state. Only 1 said no report. Maybe next year they will have a lot to report.

The POW/MIA table and chair were hi-lighted this year for remembrance of our fallen troops and those who never made it home. 5 units either have a table set up for the POW/MIA’s or they have POW/MIA fl ags on the head table at each meeting and in parades.

1 unit assisted with the fl ag burning ceremony.1 unit held funeral receptions for Veterans fami-

lies.3 units reported hosting and participating in

Veterans Day breakfasts or dinners.

1 unit regularly corresponds with service person-nel, with cards and letters being sent overseas, as well as the Posts’ Veterans.

Members were reminded to get their fl u shots and to take other precautions to stay healthy during the winter.

2 units reported sponsoring and working a blood drive with 6 drives held in all. Another unit

Reported 5 members donate blood regularly.Coupons, in excess of $500 were reported by 2

units. One unit has only one lady doing this whoSpent 485 hrs. cutting, organizing and sending

their coupons.1 unit sends care packages to local graduates

serving in the military, while 2 other units made Thanksgiving and holiday baskets for veterans

and their family, and 1 other unit provided $500 To help send care packages to our active duty

military.1 unit supplied military kids with school supplies

for 18 military families.Northwest College established a Veteran’s Lounge

and the Powell Unit provides resources to the return-ing soldiers attending college there.

We have units who babysit for drill and training camps, other participate in parades.

1 unit tied yellow ribbons on Veterans homes, trees, fences etc for over 70 Veterans.

A baby shower was given for a member of the Air Guard for all her help with being a fl ag bearer in their parades.

Monetary donations were made to various Veteran groups for packages, name banners placed in their downtown area, and to the various VA facilities.

President Vicki, it has been an honor to be this years National Security chairman, in order to

help you have a fantastic year. Thank you,Sonja WrightAmerican Legion AuxiliaryNational Security Chairman

After a successful Poppy Season, I am glad to report 35,000 poppies were made by Leroy Hig-gins and Edmond Newbauer at the Veterans Home of Wyoming. They worked very hard and did a tremendous job while earning a total $2800.00.

There were 39 American Legion Auxiliary Units that ordered 27,000 Poppies. All the poppies have either been mailed or hand delivered except 8000 which I will retain until next year. If for some reason a Unit needs more poppies they can let me know. I want to thank Peggy Sillivan for deliver-ing a large amount of poppies when she made her visits to the Units.

From August to the present, I made 26 trips to collect poppies at 6 miles a trip for a total of 156 miles and 26 hours of time. I have also spent an additional 30 hours on book work and preparing poppies for distribution.

I appreciate and thank all Units for sending their reports in a timely manner.

Department of Wyoming 2017-2018 Junior Member Activities Year End Report

NATIONAL SECURITYPOPPY PROGRAM by Donna Gladson, Chairman


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