DEPARTMENT OF KANSAS WINS NATIONAL PRESIDENT’S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE
The American Legion Auxiliary Department of Kansas was honored with the National President’s Award for Excellence during the 91st annual National Convention held in Minneapolis, MN, August 26-September 1, 2011. The award, presented to just one state annually was accepted on behalf of the more than 17,000 members in Kansas by Louisburg resident and Past Department of Kansas President (2010-2011), Trish Ward.
Recognized for service to the mission and vision of the American Legion Auxiliary, the Department of Kansas has been committed to work on behalf of veterans, our military and their families. The more than 250 units in the Department of Kansas distinguished themselves during the 2010-2011 year with mission-focused activities and programs. In support of the national theme, “The Power of One,” Past President Ward’s theme “The Power of 1 Member; The Power of 1 Unit; The Power of 1 United Kansas” served to ignite and inspire the Auxiliary members in Kansas to a renewed focus and attention to programs on behalf of those they serve.
Although active in the promotion of more than 20 national American Legion Auxiliary programs, the Kansas submission focused on three primary program initiatives: Junior Activities; Poppy and Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation. The narrative submission highlighted the work accomplished by the department which included the donation of more than 100 “Buddy Baskets” containing household items given to previously homeless veterans transitioning to their new homes, packing of “Hero Packs” for Operation: Military Kids, hosting the Inaugural Department of Kansas American Legion Auxiliary Golf Classic held a the new Firekeeper Golf Resort in Mayetta, Kan., and initiating a renewed focus and attention to the Auxiliary’s flagship poppy efforts. Department of Kansas Honorary Junior President Haley McMurphey led the Junior team with the “Socks for Soldiers” project, yielding nearly 1,500 pairs of socks sent to servicemembers in Iraq and Afghanistan. They completed their efforts with financial donations to Fort Riley to purchase snacks and supplies for the canteen which is dependent upon donations.
“We are honored and humbled to have been recognized with this award,” said Ward. “To have our efforts acknowledged in this manner after hearing of the amazing work on behalf of our veterans and their families accomplished by other departments across the country is overwhelming, and we are truly grateful to have received such a prestigious award.”
The American Legion Auxiliary, proudly entering its 92nd year of dedication to God and Country, supports veterans, our nation’s military and their family in support of its motto of “Service not Self.” More than 800,000 members worldwide, the American Legion Auxiliary is the premier woman’s patriotic organization and is committed to supporting America’s core values while honoring those individuals who have served our country.