September 25, 1926 – April 14, 2024
Hazel Marie Lockhart passed away April 14, 2024, at Villa Court Assisted Living, Las Vegas. Born September 25, 1926, in Quincy, Massachuseets, she was the daughter of Merrium and Alice Porter. She loved music and dancing; she enjoyed her social life with her many friends.
A member of the American Legion Auxiliary since 1970, Hazel and her husband James Lockhart established LD Lockhart Post 14 in Las Vegas in 1983 and Hazel established the Auxiliary Unit the following year 1984. During her long membership, Hazel served in many offices at the Unit, District, and Department Levels, including Department President (2000-2001) and Western Division National Vice President.
Hazel was preceded in death by her husband Clifford Breeding and her daughter Charlette Forbes. She is survived by her children, Andre (Bud) Damrill and Randall Forbes, as well as several grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren.
September 17, 1953 – December 29, 2023
Judy Ann Marinoni Cobb, age 70, passed away on December 29, 2023, with her children by her side. Judy was a remarkable woman celebrated by many for giving more than she would ever receive. She lived a life committed to helping others and was still making a difference in the community up until her passing.
Judy was born September 17, 1953, in Salt Lake City, UT, and was chosen to be the daughter of John and Anna Marinoni and sister to Charlene. Judy grew up a “coal miner’s daughter” in Price, UT, enjoying family, lifelong friends, school and being an accomplished flutist within the Carbon High School Band.
Judy moved to Las Vegas in 1972, where she started a family and her dedication to the Las Vegas community. She held a long career at the City of Las Vegas, where she created volunteer programs that led to her becoming the inaugural recipient of the City of Las Vegas Employee of the Month award in 1988. Her volunteer programs are still in use today.
After retiring from the City of Las Vegas in 2012, Judy continued serving others through volunteerism and by providing goods and services for active military personnel, veterans, and their families. This included working with America’s Gold Star Families and leading the American Legion Auxiliary Post 14 Juniors program. For her years of exemplary service, Judy was once again honored by the City of Las Vegas with a proclamation naming December 5, 2023, as Judy Ann Marinoni Cobb Day.
Judy is survived by her wonderful children, Joshua (Stacey) Leavitt and Jan (Ivan) Farris, both of Las Vegas, NV; stepchildren, Michelle Cobb; Jamie Cobb; Alice (Isidro) Medina; Kimberly Cobb; and Mary Cobb; grandchildren, Candace (Jacob) DePaoli, Courtney (Alec) Bindrum, Kendel Leavitt, Preston Leavitt, Brooke (Anthony) Farris, Taryn Farris, Brandon Spraggs, Darren (Mona) Montoya, Shawn Gutierrez, Isidro Montoya, Caylin Montoya, Preston (Kennedie) Montoya, Erika Medina, Isaac Gutierrez, Catlain Gilsdorf, Amanda (Hunter) Gilsdorf Miller, Felicity Jordan, Shaelynne Jordan, Gabriel Gutierrez, Christian Dominguez, Aaliyah Dominguez, and Levi Gilsdorf; greatgrandchildren, Dallas, Isabella, Riley, Ilyana, Reegan, Ryen, Konnour, Greysen, and Ryleigh; nieces, Paula (Paul) Zahn, Kaysville, UT, and Pam (Shane) Dupin-Bryant, Stansbury Park, UT; and many cousins and friends whom she loved dearly. Preceded in death by her parents, John and Anna Marinoni; husband, James Cobb; grandson, Ethan Leavitt; sister, Charlene Dupin; and brother-in-law, Paul Dupin.
Chaplain’s Corner
from Department Chaplain
Laurie Diefenbach
TWO HOLIDAYS IN MAY
What? Two Holidays in May? Everyone knows about Memorial Day, now observed on the last Monday of May, but does anyone know about Armed Forces Day, observed on the third Saturday in May?
They certainly do in Hawthorne, Nevada! Hawthorne’s nickname is “America’s Patriotic Home,” and they have a huge (okay, huge for a city of just three thousand people) celebration of Armed Forces Day during the third weekend of May every year. The entire region turns out for the annual Armed Forces Day Parade on Saturday morning, followed by chili cook-offs, a watermelon eating contest, tug of war, fireworks, and a flyover by military jets based on nearby Fallon Naval Air Station. The Hawthorne Ordnance Museum has an open house, and displays much of the ammunition that has been manufactured by the Hawthorne Ammunition Depot, which dates back to World War II.
Armed Forces Day differs from Veterans Day, in that it honors those who are currently serving in America’s Armed Forces.
The other May Holiday is Memorial Day. Yes, in today’s America it is considered “the unofficial start of the summer season,” and an excuse for a cook-out, but it has a much more somber history. It started as a day to honor dead Union soldiers from the Civil War, but after World War I, it was expanded to honor war dead from all U.S. wars. Its original name was “Decoration Day,” because graves were decorated. The poppy is associated with Memorial Day, and many Units hold a poppy drive during this weekend. Most communities also hold a Memorial Day service, to remember veterans who are no longer with us.
This year let’s remember both holidays.
And may you have a meaningful Memorial Day.
Click here to read the May 2023 issue of the Legionette!
News from L.D. Lockhart Unit 14
from Unit 14 President
Rose Cirac
Unit 14 Our focus this month has been the US VETS STAND DOWN. Held March 22, 2023 8a-4p in the Convention Hall at the Silver Nugget, North Las Vegas. President Rose attended the Orientation meeting March 15. Members purchased and/or donated hygiene products–tooth brushes, toothpaste, shampoo, lotion, 1st Aid supplies–gauze, bandages, lotion, etc., 100 pairs of socks, wipes, toilet paper, Kleenex, handmade scarves, purses and other personal items. Our Unit Juniors made cookies to handout. Five members and One special volunteer worked shifts to man the table from 630a-430p to setup, during the day and teardown. The next event we are working on takes place April 1st the Army National Guard Drill Weekend held at the National Guard Readiness Center. So we are working on information regarding the American Legion Family to distribute and recruit membership. Also preparing 200 goody bags.
Click here to read the April 2023 issue of the Legionette!
Mission Training/National Junior Meeting
Mission Training and the National Junior Meeting were held February 4th, 2023, in the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas. Departments from HI to WI and AK to NM attended this one day training. Nevada was represented by Unit’s 7, 8, 14, 40, 51, 76, 40, and 149. Networking, learning new ways to work ALA program from our national leaders were highlights. You could feel the enthusiasm as members shared their passion.
Throughout this Legionette issue, you will find candid photos of the event. You will also find inserts from the many Power Point slides presented at the meeting. Check out https://member.legion-aux.org/Meetings/
Click here to read the March 2023 issue of the Legionette!
History: BMI Post 40
from Unit 40 President
Charmaine Meana
“Toward the end of 1941, 35 World War I veterans working in the Defense Plant Corporation applied for and were granted an American Legion charter. The new post was designated as ‘Basic Magnesium Post Number 40’ and would be composed mostly of BMI employees. Only one month after organization, the post membership stood at 101 members, both a remarkable and patriotic feat.
“In 1941, the Basic Magnesium Inc., complex was built for the federal government to produce magnesium and other materials critical to the allied war effort during World War II. Las Vegas was a tiny railroad watering station in 1941, and the Basic Magnesium site was chosen for its proximity to Lake Mead for water, the Hoover Dam for power, and Gabbs for its deposits of magnetite. The Basic Magnesium complex grew rapidly and soon there was a magnesium production facility that would encompass a massive complex, approximately two miles in length. Additionally, there would be a settlement that would provide housing for the workmen and their families, called Basic Town Site. Shortly after our formation in 1941-42, the organizers and charter members of Basic Magnesium Post 40 became very involved in community activities. In addition to the personal sacrifice these men made for the war effort, they also found time to sponsor and organize dinners, dances, a Legion Baseball team, and arrange speakers for meetings on patriotism and the war effort.
“By the summer of 1944, the post had secured the regional finals for our area, thus beginning our long-running and continuous support of American Legion Baseball. In the latter part of 1944, the allies need for magnesium dwindled; the plant stopped production and was shut down. Though thousands of people left the region, enough remained to save the settlement. “In 1953, behind the efforts of some civic-minded settlers, Basic Town Site and the neighboring town of Pittman incorporated as the City of Henderson, named in honor of former Nevada senator Charles B. Henderson.” As our post grew so did our community support. Basic Magnesium donated a parcel of land for the use and benefit of BMI Post 40. This parcel of land was ultimately sold to the City of Henderson, and a new parcel of land was purchased with the proceeds. In February 1998 construction was completed on this new parcel and our new home at 425 E Van Wagenen was open.
The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 40 was formed on March 21st, 1994.
The Sons of the American Legion Squadron 40 was formed on October 9th, 2000.
Click here to read the January/February 2023 issue of the Legionette!
News from Unit 7
from Cheryl Shine
I want to say farewell to my Nevada Legion Auxiliary sisters. My husband, Joe and I are moving back to the East coast to a more-mild climate. I have enjoyed my journey in the Department of Nevada working as your 2nd Vice President, Leadership, Community Service and Public Relations Chairman. I will miss my time with Elko Unit 7 members. I will look forward to seeing everyone in the future at the National Conventions. I wish everyone a wonderful new year and be proud of your accomplishments for our veterans, communities and the children.
Click here to read the December 2022 issue of the Legionette!
Membership
from Department Membership Chair
Glynis Seeley-Morris
As many of you have heard, membership is the life blood of any volunteer organization. Our Auxiliary is no different. We need our members. Whether they are very active and show up for every event that is planned, or they are the elderly or stay-at-home Moms that just cannot get out, but they are the ones we count on to send emails or make phone calls. Every member is important.
Our 2023 membership year is upon us. Renewal notices have been mailed. This time of year, is when many of our members have changes, change of address and some other contact information. Please make sure all members information is as up to date as possible.
At the National convention in Milwaukee there was a vote that will increase the National portion of dues per capita by $6.00 per Senior member starting with the 2024 year. The original proposal was for a six dollar increase and one dollar every other year after that to 2030. The incremental increases were taken out of the final amendment presented to the floor for the vote. There was much discussion from the floor on this one. There were multiple changes to the amendment. There was also, a large amount of “No” votes, but the majority went to the votes that passed the change to the $6.00 increase.
Please keep in mind there are some of our members struggling. If your Unit participates in a “pay it forward” type of program please let me know so I can put that in my yearly report for Membership. Does your Unit have an “Angel” that just pays for someone else and wants to keep it anonymous? Let me know about that too.
We do a lot in Nevada. Thank you.
Click here to read the November 2022 issue of the Legionette!
National Junior Meetings 2022-2023
from Department Junior Activities Chair
Nicky Flores–Ninmer
If your Junior is 8 years old or older, we want to see them at a national Junior meeting! We are going to meet new friends, do a service project for caregivers, and have tons of fun! The meetings are on a Saturday, one in each ALA division. We cannot wait to see your Junior there!
Is the Junior meeting right for your Junior?
- Yes – if they are interested in meeting other Junior members and national leaders outside of their local area who share their passion for helping veterans!
- Yes – if they want to share great ideas with other Junior members across the country and learn more about what it means to be a member of the American Legion Auxiliary!
Five ALA Mission Trainings and national Junior meetings are planned for 2022-2023. They will be held at the same time and locations throughout the winter and spring.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Saturday, February 4, 2023
Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel and Casino
3555 S. Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Register today to attend the National Junior Meeting
Click here to read the October 2022 issue of the Legionette!
It’s been said that you don’t know what the flag really means until you’ve been handed a folded one. My family has always been strong on patriotism, honor and sacrifice. My grandfather, Tom, served in World War II. He was my first introduction to The American Legion when I was only 8 or 9. My father, Bruce, became a firefighter on Long Island. My first husband was in the Marines when I married him. I lived as a military wife, living and moving within the confines of Marine Corps air stations across the U.S. We were in Philadelphia during the Bicentennial in 1976. There was a parade and review every Friday night. The symbolism of the flag was front and center every week for all to see. Years later after a divorce, I met and married my second husband. He was a two-tour Vietnam veteran and suffered terribly from PTSD; 20 years later he passed away from the results of Agent Orange. Again, we were a very patriotic couple. We put the flag on our house every day. We participated in many parades, Flag Day ceremonies, and of course American Legion Family activities. When he passed away he was a district commander. His celebration of life couldn’t fit any more people in the room. A friend knelt down in front of me after the 13 folds had been done, and with tears in his eyes and a lump in his throat started to recite: “On behalf of a grateful nation,” and the both of us just started crying. He eventually finished the rest of the recitation. That flag is prominently displayed in my living room. The emotion this invoked is hard to describe. There’s a flood of emotion. Sad your loved one is gone, pride because they served the country with honor. The flag of the United States is a symbol of the great nation. It is not to be stomped on. It is not to be discounted as meaning nothing. It carries the spirit and memories of our loved ones. It is true that being handed a folded flag changes the way you may look at the symbol of the greatest country on Earth. God bless the United States.
by Glynis Seeley
This article originally appeared July 23, 2021 on LegionTown.org. Click here to view the original article.