The following information was sent to me to share with all of you. I hope everyone takes the time to read this article that was submitted to the Vernal Express. I know from experience that activities that help our junior members and encourage them to belong to our organization is what will help our Department continue to thrive. ENJOY!! Chesney
It's a lesson kids these days just don't seem to get from parents who have never lived through a major war, but several lucky girls from across the Uinta Basin are getting a lesson in patriotism and are learning good ol' American values from some of the ladies who are members of the largest women’s organization in the world and are carrying on a cause originated in 1919. Jr American Legion Auxiliary members of Jensen American Legion Auxiliary Post #124 and high school juniors from Uintah and Union high who were chosen to attend Girl's State this year are bonding with some of the ladies of the Greatest Generation, taking advice from Baby Boomers who remained patriotic and supportive of troops and US military action during Vietnam, and are learning from modern day military wives and mothers about how to support soldiers seeing action now and how to honor and care for veterans who bravely fought for our freedom or served valiantly in the military.
Marsha Oleen, Legion Auxiliary President of Jensen Legion post #124 organized a huge event for the girls at the American Legion Hall in Jensen in which the girls volunteered their time to make pillow cases and care packages for troops in Afghanistan while learning of other volunteer opportunities from State ALA officers. The highlight of the day was hearing from Tracy Beede, mother of Sgt. Daniel Gurr who was killed in Afghanistan. Oleen reports, "Tracy told the girls about Daniel and how he grew up always wanting to serve his country. She also explained to them a little about how our soldiers are sacrificing in Afghanistan and about some of the things they need. Most of which we take for granted, such as clean water to wash in and drink, clean clothes, pillow cases, towels and fresh food to eat."
Ten year old Ally Rook was impressed with Beede's courage and resolve after losing her son in Afghanistan. Rook says, "She told us Daniel was the only one from his group who was killed but she was thankful that even though she lost her son, she gained 23 others. It was his buddies. The other guys in his unit. They call her all the time, write her, email her, some stay with her and just check in with her to make sure she's ok and taken care of. She said taking care of their fellow Marines was really important to Daniel. I think it's great that they check on her."
Sixteen year old Alina Olsen, a Union high junior, said she had a great time, learned a lot and was happy to volunteer her time for soldiers. "It feels good to contribute." she says. "The ladies of the Legion Auxiliary have a lot of great stories about how they volunteered during World War II and others have stories about how hard it was to remain patriotic during Vietnam when others around them were protesting the war. There is a lot to learn from these ladies. I'm grateful for this opportunity."
Members of the Jensen ALA Post purchased over 50 pillow cases and the girls decorated and wrote notes to send to a Marine unit in Afghanistan. The girls also received information about the history of the American Legion Auxiliary from Department of Utah ALA President, Sharon Gansauge and information about state and national Jr. members from Jamie Topham, Junior Activity Chairman Department of Utah ALA. The Jr. members come from Neola, Roosevelt and Vernal areas. They are the daughters, granddaughters, great granddaughters or sisters of veterans who have served our country in times of war or conflict. Oleen, a Jr Auxiliary member herself from the time she was a young girl says she is thrilled to get the younger generation involved. "ALA is a vanishing organization." Oleen says. "We need younger blood to keep the organization going so I'll do all I can to keep my post going. It was important to my parents and it's important to me. My dad was a WWII veteran, my husband was in Vietnam, and I'm proud to be able to give back and support my country and my community through the ALA."
pictures in photo left to right Ally Rook, Alina Olsen, Barbara Gilespie,
Sharon Gansauge, Kiera Vanderlinden, Jasmine Bergstrom,
Sierra Plumhof, Kaitlyn Powell
