Dortha Parsons. Pictured are members of Unit 31 Margaret Yost, Dortha Parsons, National
President Trish Ward, Kim Mellie and Marsha Duckworth. Not pictured, Roxie
Nicholson.
By Betsy Turner
The American Legion Auxiliary Department of West Virginia held its 43rd annual Mid-Winter Conference February 8th and 9th at the Oglebay Resort and Conference Center in Wheeling, WV. The Conference is called for the purpose of receiving reports of Department Officers and Chairmen, and for the transaction of such other business as may properly come before it.
On Friday, February 8th, registration began, and the group began the collection of comfort items for the Veterans hospitals and nursing homes in the state and the opening of the silent auction. The collection of comfort items for hospitalized and nursing home Veterans is an important part of the auxiliary’s mission and for 2024-2025 there was a record number of monetary donations and items requested by the Veterans Hospitals in the state. Meetings of the Training, Membership, Policy and Procedures Committees were also held along with a meeting of the Girls State Executive Board. The day concluded with the opening joint session of the American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary.
On Saturday, February 9th, the Call to Order and opening were given by American Legion Auxiliary Department President Laura Clark followed by the opening prayer, by Department Chaplain Peggy Swartz. The opening also included the “Pledge of Allegiance”, singing of the national anthem, and the “Preamble to the Constitution” and “Mission Statement” of the American Legion Auxiliary.
This year the auxiliary welcomed American Legion Auxiliary National President Trish Ward, who gave the keynote address. Followed by Dr. Rosemary Thomas, Director of Rhododendron Girls State and long-time auxiliary member who spoke on Leadership Development.
Other ceremonies that took place during the session were the “Missing Man Table” which honors those still military members still missing, alive or dead and the “4 Chaplains Service” in honor of the four chaplains of different faiths who, on February 3, 1943, during World War II, gave up their life jackets so other members of the crew of the USS Dorchester might live after it had been torpedoed by a German submarine.
After a break for lunch the group reconvened for the Poppy Poster and the Poppy Wreath Contests conducted by Shirley Davis, Department Poppy Program Chairman. A silent auction and a 50/50 drawing rounded out the official business of the day. The session adjourned at 3:30 pm on Saturday, February 9, 2025.
The annual church service was conducted at 4:00 pm followed at 6:00 pm by the Commander’s and President’s Reception.
