Kris Nelson, National President | ALA National President on Facebook
Kris Nelson, of Baxter, Minn., was elected national president of the American Legion Auxiliary during the organization’s 92nd National Convention in Minneapolis Aug. 26 – Sept. 1.

Nelson holds American Legion Auxiliary mission delivery near and dear to her heart. For her project as national president, she has initiated a campaign to increase membership and volunteer capacity among a younger generation.

 “Through mission delivery, the American Legion Auxiliary will become so appealing to people who care about veterans that our membership will increase,” Nelson told Auxiliary members and delegates during her installation of the organization’s highest office at national convention. “We need to refocus how we do things and create opportunities for the younger generation that are meaningful and that they are able to work into their schedules. We must encourage and support new ideas of mission delivery projects and opportunities that women of all ages can participate in.”

Nelson also encouraged convention delegates and attendees to spread the Auxiliary’s word. “We can only increase our membership and volunteer capacity if community members know who we are and what we do,” she said. “Asking community members to join you in Auxiliary service projects will give them hands-on experience, will let them see and feel how our service projects make life a little easier for our veterans, military and their families.” View full bio | Download High Resolution Photo (pdf) 

Kris Nelson's 2011-2012 National President Installation Address:  Download a copy (pdf) | Read Online
 

Peggy Thomas, National Vice President | ALA National Vice President on Facebook
Peggy Thomas, of Richmond, Va., was elected national vice president of the American Legion Auxiliary during the organization’s 92nd National Convention in Minneapolis Aug. 26 – Sept. 1.

Thomas, 72, joined the American Legion Auxiliary through her late husband, John C. Thomas, a U.S. Army veteran.

“This is our time in history,” Thomas told Auxiliary members and convention delegates at her installation speech. “By practicing Service Not Self, I envision a growth in our membership whereby we will be able to expand our services to the military personnel, our veterans and their families. What better way to honor the service of our loved ones who served this country than to help others who have served or are now serving?”

Thomas, a 30-year member of the Auxiliary, has held numerous leadership positions in the organization at the unit, district and department levels. At the national level, she was chairman of the following committees: Veteran Affairs & Rehabilitation, Children & Youth, Leadership, National Security, Constitution & Bylaws, Poppy, Legislative and Membership.

A retired vice president of a petroleum distributorship with three divisions, Thomas continues the American Legion Auxiliary motto of Service Not Self by volunteering as the Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service deputy at the Hunter Holmes McGuire VAMC in Richmond, Va.

Mary “Dubbie” Buckler, National Secretary
Mary "Dubbie" Buckler is a lifelong resident of the greater Indianapolis area where she has earned a reputation as a caring leader in business, public service, elective office, and civic service. She is an accomplished business executive with an impressive background in management, finance, and issue advocacy. Her career path reveals a strong commitment to serving where she can make a difference in people’s lives by giving back to the community. Dubbie is also proud to have served as the Federalist Party chair at Hoosier Girls State during high school, and while in college, as one of only five full colonels in the United States in Angel Flight, an honorary to the Air Force ROTC.
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