The American Legion Auxiliary – the first truly patriotic women’s organization in the country, is looking for new members on St. Croix.
The local American Legion Auxiliary-Bromley Berkley Unit 133 has recently reorganized and has undertaken a membership drive. The Unit, which meets the third Sunday of every month, was originally chartered in 1970.
Meetings are held the third Sunday of each month, 4 pm at the USO Building, Market Street, Frederiksted.
Under the guidance of the newly installed President, Emily Tranberg, the unit looks to bring National American Legion programs and benefits to the members and community at large.
The National programs of the American Legion Auxiliary include:
— Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation – aid and service to our veterans
— Poppy Program – Distribute, for a small donation, of poppies that represent the sacrifices made by veterans. Donations go to veterans programs.
— Children & Youth – programs address child safety, juvenile justice, the problems of missing children, drug and alcohol abuse, teenage pregnancy and teen suicide
— Auxiliary Emergency Fund and Displaced Homemaker Program – established to help with temporary assistance to the Unit member who is in a financial crisis and provide financial grants for members who need training to enhance their skills to return to the job market.
— Education – The organization recognizes the value of a good education and members donate and raise millions of dollars for scholarship programs. Throughout the country Auxiliary units participate in Adult Literacy programs.
— Heart of America – annually spotlights outstanding local and national educators and media professionals for their significant and important role in our communities.
— Girls State/Girls Nation – At these sessions, high school juniors learn leadership, patriotism, self-worth and confidence that helps prepare them to take their places as productive and successful members of our society.
— Junior Activities – Another Auxiliary youth program, the Junior program, prepares the Auxiliary's young members to carry on with the work of the organization. The Junior program assures the organization's growth and continuity and teaches the fundamentals of leadership and service to our future members at the Unit, District, Department and National levels.
— Citizens Flag Alliance – an apolitical, non-partisan confederation of organizations and individuals who wish to protect the United States flag from public physical desecration.
With a strong membership the goals can be accomplished. Membership is open to all women whose husbands, sons, fathers, grandfathers serviced in World Wars I and II, and the Korean or Vietnam War, or conflicts in Grenada, Lebanon, Panama or the Persian Gulf War. All women with direct connection to a veteran is urged to attend an auxiliary meeting to learn more about the organization and join.
From the American Legion Auxiliary website.
"With almost a million members from all walks of life, the Auxiliary administers hundreds of volunteer programs, gives tens of thousands of hours to its communities and to veterans, and raises millions of dollars to support its own programs as well as other worthwhile charities familiar to most Americans. It is all accomplished with volunteers.
The Auxiliary, organized in 1919 to assist The American Legion, is much more than the name implies. The organization has achieved its own unique identity while working side-by-side with the veterans who belong to The American Legion. Like the Legion, the Auxiliary's interests have broadened to encompass the entire community.
The American Legion Auxiliary is the world's largest women's patriotic service organization. Through its nearly 12,000 Units located in every state and some foreign countries, the Auxiliary embodies the spirit of America that has prevailed through war and peace. Along with The American Legion, it solidly stands behind America and her ideals."
For more information please call Emily Tranberg at 772-1438.
