Submitted by Betsy Turner
The American Legion Auxiliary Department of West Virginia held its annual fall workshop on Sept. 10 at Hilton Garden Inn, Clarksburg. Auxiliary members represented West Virginia’s 63 Auxiliary Units from its six districts.
The session began with an opening prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, the “Star Spangled Banner” and the “Preamble to the American Legion Auxiliary Constitution” and “Mission Statement.”
Department President Savanna Kauffman spoke to the ladies about her special project for the 2022-2023 Auxiliary Year, Christmas Veteran Affairs Gift Shops. Her goal is to raise $10,000 that will go towards the Veterans Gift Shops at Martinsburg, Beckley, Clarksburg and Huntington VA Medical Centers. The gift shop provides gifts to veteran patients at the medical centers and their immediate families, because that is part of the mission of the American Legion Auxiliary. “Lighting Up Our Future for Our Veterans” is this year’s department theme while the membership theme is “Christmas 365 Around the World.”
Each department chairman (Membership, Chaplain, Historian, Americanism, Auxiliary Emergency Fund, Children and Youth, Legislative, Education, Community Service, Rhododendron Girls State, Poppy, Juniors Activities, National Security and Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation, Scrapbook and Public Relations) spoke regarding their expectations and upcoming plans for the 2022-2023 Auxiliary year.
The day concluded with a shoe box auction with this year’s shoe boxes wrapped as Christmas gifts in red, white or green Christmas wrapping paper. Each Auxiliary Unit was asked to bring a Christmas-themed table centerpiece which was also auctioned. The proceeds will go toward Kauffman’s special project.
