VFW Auxiliary

Published 9:30 am Saturday, February 26, 2011

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Ladies Auxiliary to Freemond Madson Post No. 447 met at 7 p.m. Feb. 14 at at the Legion Hall. President Eunice Hatleli presided.

The regular ritual order of business conducted and directives were read and discussed.

Hatleli, Beverly Boone and Ruby Fredrickson had attended the VFW District Auxiliary meeting in Owatonna No. 3723 on Feb. 5 where District President Sonia Tatge presided. State VFW Auxiliary Senior Vice President Debbei Tweet was the department representative. Benjamin Bogard, of Pine Island, was the winner of his Post, District and State Voice of Democracy patriotic audio essay competition and read his entry to the group at the noon luncheon. He had received awards at the Post and District levels and now will receive $2,000 scholarship and a trip to Washington D.C.

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Anyone of in Freeborn County in ninth through 12th grade are potential winners if they would contact the auxililary, get the rules and enter the contest. The theme for next September is “Is there pride in serving in our military?” Now is the time to start planning.

The Patriots Pen theme for next fall is “Are you proud of your country?” Prizes are awarded at all levels.

VFW Auxiliary Legislative Day is set at the Minnesota state capitol for March 29. A district bus will be leaving Albert Lea for both Post and Auxiliary members and friends at a cost of $5 each. Please notify Hatleli at 372-6277 before the March auxiliary meeting so bus arrangements may be made.

The annual district memorial service was conducted in the afternoon and 15 sisters were remembered. The post members were also remembered at the joint service.

An early reminder that this year is the VFW year to offer poppies to the public in May. The money received for these poppies can only be used for our veterans and service people and their families. The group will need volunteers to man the different locations.

Local members of the National Guard will be deployed May 22. They and their families need our support. Keep them in your prayers and help them however you can.

If anyone would like to make and donate 63 inch by 87 inch quilts to the veterans homes in Minnesota we will see they get to the various homes. Call Hatleli. Betty Jones won the door prize. Boone served lunch. The next meeting will be at 7 p.m. on March 14 at the Legion Hall.