October is starting out to be a month of warm weather and beautiful color. Let’s hope it continues! It is also a great month to renew that membership. October 3rd is the Early Bird Dinner. There is no better time to pay your dues and enjoy a ham dinner and great company. I have often wondered what our dues are used for. A small portion is used for administrative costs but, the primary purpose is to fund programs that directly benefit veterans, active military personnel, and their families. Through paying our dues, we are collectively able to reach more veterans throughout the state of Minnesota. As of May 14, 2025, Minnesota had 23,190 Auxiliary members. I’ll let you do the math…..
Some of our Post family will be heading to Fall Conference in St. Cloud October 23-25. We are collecting items for the St. Cloud StandDown. This is a Minnesota based nonprofit organization offering free resources and services to veterans. “Stand down” is a military term that describes a combat unit’s period of rest and recovery or a suspension of combat readiness. Let’s give our veterans a break from worrying about some basic necessities. The StandDown is requesting NEW men’s and women’s socks, underwear, winter hats, mittens, gloves, and full sized toiletries. Please drop off donations at the club by October 20. Thank you to the Post and SAL for your generous donation! Let’s fill up those vehicles heading south to conference!!!
The Auxiliary has been out and about lending a hand and being visible in the community. We were able to help serve the Legion Riders AVM Fundraiser Ride dinner, Pachel Healthcare Luncheon, as well as cleaned the kitchen at the club. We have been attending Center for Lifelong Learning lectures, ribbon cutting at the high school, Farmers Market booth, and the Chamber’s Award Banquet. Put on our logo when you can. You never know, you could come into contact with a potential member or strike up a conversation with a veteran.
Mark your calendars! Our next meeting is October 14 at 6:30. Halloween Party with a spooky potluck theme and costume prizes on October 31. Details to follow on Facebook.
Working together to support our veterans,
Erin, Auxiliary President