The American Legion Post 99 Auxiliary gathered March 8 for American Legion’s 103rd birthday celebration. The American Legion organization was founded March 15, 1919 shortly after the close of the First World War. Auxiliary president Glenda Wofford opened the event welcoming those in attendance. A prayer was said, along with the Pledge of Allegiance, and the Missing Man Table (also known as the Fallen Comrade Table) was presented. This small table set for one, with an empty chair, serves as the focal point of ceremonial remembrance for prisoners of war (POW) and those missing in action (MIA).

Auxiliary First Vice Barb Medlock provided a description of what the American Legion is. “We are common and extraordinary,” she shared. “We are humbled by the courage of veterans and their families.” A birthday meal was enjoyed, including meat and dessert provided by the Auxiliary and potluck-style sides brought by members.

The Joe Reinbott Award was awarded to Clay Lindsay in honor of Reinbott’s committed membership to the Auxiliary as well as his service in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. “In cold, lonely places it’s the man or woman next to you who keeps you going,” Lindsay said. “If you’re lucky enough to have a partner [in combat]”.

The Betty Dudley Award was awarded to Barb Medlock in honor of Dudley’s passion for the group and the annual poppy drive, its one and only fundraiser held throughout the year. “[Dudley] was instrumental not only in the Auxiliary’s operations, but also the poppy drive; she also served at state and national levels,” Medlock said.

Guest speakers from North Wood R-IV’s Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) program presented the values of the curriculum. JAG specialist Dr. Karla Tiefenthaler shared that at a recent officer luncheon at Sybill’s in St. James, one of the JAG students struck up a conversation with a stranger in the restroom as they were washing their hands. This stranger, whose name was later learned to be Mary Rush, was so impressed with what was shared about the JAG program that she took care of their (over $700) bill. Community members, near and far, continue to generously give what they can to the JAG program because of its proud values of self-discovery, practicing advocacy, career exploration, having a strong sense of belonging in the community, and staying in school.

JAG students elaborated on this. “Kids need a bigger support system than their parents,” said Marshall White. “It takes a village and Dr. Tiefenthaler is a big part of that village,” he said. Wayne Parmeley said “there’s no way I could stand up here and speak in front of you all before JAG,” and Dylan Parker wrapped up their presentation by expressing his desire to see JAG at the high school level. “If there’s one thing I could do, it would be to help JAG continue after this program,” he said. The Auxiliary presented a $100 check to JAG in support of the program and everyone agreed that the evening was a phenomenal way to celebrate the 103rd year of American Legion.