Legion Auxiliary’s acts of selflessness help veterans

By Ginna Young

For years, the Cornell American Legion Auxiliary has served the community, whether by providing help to veteran families, working hand-in-hand with their Cornell American Legion counterparts or by providing financial aid to youth, through scholarships and sponsorship for delegates to attend Badger State events.

Now, that service is in danger, with the lack of active Auxiliary members. Founded in 1919, the American Legion Auxiliary is a separate entity from the American Legion, but shares the same values.

“We need active members,” said Ashley Carothers, Cornell Auxiliary member and 10th district historian for the American Legion Auxiliary. “If we can’t get members and if we can’t keep active, then we’ll be forced to dissolve. It’s kind of scary.”

Carothers, who accurately records the accomplishments and significant events at the national, department and unit levels, doesn’t want to see the traditions and service of the Auxiliary fall by the wayside. She said if anyone is considering joining the Cornell Auxiliary unit, unless they would hold an officer or district position, it is not too time consuming.

She also pointed out that the majority of the Legion is made up of older veterans, so they, too, need members.

“They’re not going to be here forever, either,” said Carothers. “We need a younger generation to come in and start learning these roles, start being mentored in these roles of what comes next.”

Through the Legion, Auxiliary and the Sons of the Legion (youth organization), Carothers said it’s great to see the camaraderie and closeness that forms. “The atmosphere of fellowship and patriotism – just giving back to those that gave for us,” she said.

To help each other out, for example, the Auxiliary serves a charcoal chicken dinner every April – this year, Sunday, April 24 – but they couldn’t do it without the Legion getting involved.

“They help us cook it, we sell it,” said Norma Arts, Auxiliary leader.

Through the proceeds of the chicken dinner and the prime

The Cornell Lions Club met at the Cornell Food Pantry April 13, for a meeting of the members, with Karl Blank, Jim and Kathy Mercer, Don and Connie Klass, David Barry, Bonnie Selmer and president Pat Denison present.

Something that’s upcoming, is the Governor’s Night, where the District Governor attends a gathering of the club, addressing the members and setting a challenge for them in the coming year.

The Lions will also have a membership picnic Wednesday, May 25, at the Mill Yard Park pavilion.

“All members are encouraged to invite potential new members to the picnic, as the club is looking to expand membership,” said Selmer. It promises to be a busy summer, as the Lions will again serve charcoal chicken at the annual Cornell Community Fair in June, as well as the annual July 3 fireworks display.

rib sandwich sales during the June Cornell Community Fair, the Auxiliary has been able to replace the stove in the Legion hall kitchen, as well as update the dining room. Now, they want to replace a cooler that quit and are in the process of trying to upgrade the interior of the kitchen, since it is used for events, parties and funeral lunches.

“It’s just been kind of a slow thing,” said Arts of the updates. “There are still some things that need to be done in there, but we’re kind of at a standstill right now.”

Money earned from annual poppy flower sales are given to the Chippewa Home for Veterans and the Auxiliary only retains a couple dollars from membership dues, so help is needed to keep up with the projects.

In order to join the Auxiliary, an individual (male/female spouse, mother, sister, granddaughter) must have/had a veteran in the family. Newly instated, is allowing male spouses to join the Auxiliary, which acknowledges that female veterans have indeed served their country, right alongside the male members.

“It’s really awesome that that’s being recognized,” said Carothers.

Carothers said if anyone is interested in joining the Auxiliary or would like more information, they can contact her, at 715-828-9071.

“It’s a giant sense of pride to know that you’re not only making a difference in your community, but you’re making a difference in the lives of veterans and their families,” she said. “Our main job, is to be of service and not of self.”