Category: Legionette

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!