Auxiliary Corner - May 2026
Dear Members,
What a truly incredible month it has been for our Auxiliary! My heart is so full as I look back on everything we’ve accomplished together. It is through your hands and your hearts that we are making a real difference in the lives of those who served.
The launch of Operation Full Plate (OFP) has been a massive success. We began our first round with 24 recipients, and in just two short weeks, that number grew to 31. We served 26 veterans and 78 meals and will continue toward the goal of twice a month for 50 participants. A giant shout-out to our Legion Family donating, cooking, preparing, packaging meals and ensuring every meal reached our recipients with a smile.
But OFP is about so much more than just nourishment; it’s about connection. Each participant receives a dedicated phone line and a refrigerator magnet so they always have a way to reach out for support or just a friendly conversation. We are already seeing the impact in the relationships being built. One veteran was so touched that he shared his meals with fellow veterans, encouraging them to join the program too.
The compassion of our family was especially evident during a recent delivery to a female veteran. She had recently lost her partner and was also celebrating her birthday. In a beautiful collaboration with our Her in Hero initiative—a program dedicated to the unique needs of our women veterans—Sharon Rathbun delivered a personalized birthday basket along with her meals. That simple act of kindness turned a routine delivery into a moment of deep emotional support and human connection.
Our community and our Legion Family members have truly stepped up to help us sustain this mission. From local food drives to partnerships with area grocery stores, your involvement is what allows us to expand. Speaking of generosity, I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who contributed to our Peanut Butter and Jelly drive! Thanks to you, we collected over 60 jars in just a couple of days.
I am also so proud to share that we reached 100% membership as of April! Our Auxiliary continues to grow, and our recent Birthday Dinner was the perfect way to celebrate. It was an honor to recognize Past 4th District President Sheila Holman, our Betty Fowler Memorial Poppy award winner Joanna Fowler, our Unit Member of the Year June Gaulin, and our Honorary Lifetime member Colleen Rich.
During the dinner, we were also privileged to announce the implementation of the Kathy Hayward Memorial Scholarship. This $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to a female high school senior entering the military, ensuring Kathy’s spirit of service lives on in the next generation.
Finally, a heartfelt thank you to everyone who volunteers in the bingo kitchen. It is because of your tireless work there that we have the resources to successfully run projects like Operation Full Plate and Her in Hero.
If you know of anyone who could benefit from our meal program, please reach out to us. Thank you all for everything you do. You are the heartbeat of this Unit.
With warmth and gratitude,
Julie Montello, President