National President's Award for Excellence 2022

We are proud to announce that our own Unit #434 member, chaplain, friend, Marie Tabat won the American Legion Auxiliary National President's Award for Excellence. Linda Coppock, State President was here to hand out the award. 

September Auxiliary Meeting

The first meeting following the summer off was a busy one. We started with a ceremony to accept the new members. There were many new people who've joined this year and we are so very happy to welcome them. Linda Coppock, State President and Sue Hembrook, Second Vice came to help with the new member installation.

The American Legion Legacy Run - Poppy Princess

The Legacy Run is a 1,158 mile motorcycle run from Mobile, Alabama to Milwaukee, Wisconsin where the American Legion National Convention is held. The run raises money from the Legacy Scholarship fund for children of veterans. The ride ended with a dinner at Legion Post #434 in Oak Creek and the poppy princess was invited to be part of the entourage that greeted the riders as they came to the post. 

This photo was from the news coverage of the event. As the riders enjoyed their dinners Avery handed out poppies and enjoyed chatting with those who wanted to have a conversation with her.

The riders were very generous to Avery. She collected donations that will help support local veterans.

One veteran handed her a challenge coin and explained the significance of the coin to her. She loved hearing their stories and is thrilled with this memorabilia from her day with them.

One of the riders was Kathy Daudistel who is the first American Legion Auxiliary president to ride her own motorcycle during the run. 

 

Avery gave a personal donation to the Legacy fund. She had the opportunity to turn her check in to Mark Clark who is the Legacy Run chairman.

Heritage Days Parade - Poppy Princess

Avery represented ALA unit 434 in the South Milwaukee Heritage Days Parade. She had a great time throwing candy out to the crowd. 

Independence Day Parade - Poppy Princess

Avery participated in the 4th of July parade in Oak Creek representing the ALA unit 434. She threw out candy to the spectators along the parade route.

After the parade Avery enjoyed chatting with people in the crowd at the post. Here she is with Oak Creek Mayor Dan Bukiewicz after she had her face painted.

While standing in line waiting for her balloon animal Avery was approached by a mother who wanted to ask about the tubing attached to Avery's arm. Avery explained that it was part of her insulin pump and the lady went on to explain that her daughter was recently diagnosed with type 1 diabetes too.  She introduced her daughter to Avery let her know that even though she has diabetes, she can do anything. Yes, she can!

Memorial Day Event - Forest Hill Cemetery

On Memorial Day Avery gave a speech at Forest Hill Cemetery in Oak Creek. She joined some of Wisconsin's dignitaries during the morning event. After her speech she participated in a wreath laying ceremony at the veterans' memorial along with the Legion Auxiliary president Pat Ehleiter and the Legion Post Commander Lyle Riffel.

Flag Planting with the Poppy Princess

Avery spent the morning planting flags at the veterans' cemetery in Union Grove, Wisconsin with her grandfather. She has been planting flags with him since she was very small. Here is this year's photo of her and a few from past years too.