By Betsy Turner
The American Legion Auxiliary Department of West Virginia held its 102nd convention July 9th-11th at the Doubletree by Hilton in Huntington, WV. The Convention is called for the purpose of electing officers for the ensuing year, amending the Department Constitution, receiving reports of Department Officers and Chairmen, and for the transaction of such other business as may properly come before it.
Department officers elected and installed for the 2024 -2025 Auxiliary Year are:
President-Laura Clark; 1st Vice President-Kim Mellie; 2nd Vice President-Stephanie Handley; Secretary/Treasurer-Susan Brown; Chaplain-Peggy Swartz; and Historian-Rebecca Farley. Election of delegates and alternates for the national convention was also held.
The president’s theme this year is For the Heart of the Matter, the membership theme is Membership in the ALA…How Sweet it Is! Laura’s special project is partnering with the ALA Foundation and the Veterans Project Fund to secure the funds to purchase at least 5 new AED’s or Automatic External Defibrillators for the WV Veterans Home. The colors for auxiliary year 24 – 25 are purple (representing ambition and determination) with accent color(s) pink, yellow, and blue (which represent fun and energy) while the flower for the year is the Daisy (that represents new beginnings and cheerfulness). Matthew Sampson, American Legion Department of West Virginia Commander and Herb Churchman, Detachment Commander addressed the gathering.
Seven members of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 31, Shinnston attended the convention, including two past department presidents. Unit 31, Shinnston brought home several plaques and awards in the category of units with membership 151 and over. These included the traveling plaques for Unit Chaplain’s Report, History, and Poppy. They also received awards for their Chaplain’s Prayer Book, Public Relations Press Book, Unit Scrapbook, and Junior Membership.
It was also announced that the annual fall conference for American Legion/American Legion Auxiliary Department of West Virginia 3rd District twill be held by Post 13, Clarksburg, at American Legion Post 13 on October 5, 2024.