American Legion Auxiliary Synepuxent Post 166 Ocean City, Maryland Officers and Executive Committee Members 2007-2008 President— Margaret Hudson 1st Vice President— Pat Foringer 2nd Vice President— Bonnie Hansen Secretary— June Saunders Treasurer— Nancy Rummel Historian - (open) Chaplain— Theodora Rozzano Sgt. At Arms— Ruth K. Gubosh Immediate Past Pres - Lil Lehman Color Bearer— (open) Color Bearer— (open) Executive Member—Pearl Jordan Executive Member— Rosemarie Brac Executive Member— Lily Tunis

• To support the American Legion programs for veterans, young people, and community
   
• To provide for today's needs while being advocates for a brighter future
   
• To advance the understanding of patriotism and responsibility of citizenship
   
• To promote individual integrity and family values
   
• To ensure as volunteers, that Auxiliary members continue to be the leaders in all that is good in this nation today, tomorrow and for generations to come through serving others first and not self.

The Auxiliary, organized in 1919 to assist The American Legion, is much more than the name implies. The organization has achieved its own unique identity while working side-by-side with the veterans who belong to The American Legion. Like the Legion, the Auxiliary's interests have broadened to encompass the entire community.

The American Legion Auxiliary is the largest patriotic women’s service organization in the world, with nearly 1 million members. Affiliated with The American Legion and chartered by Congress in 1920, the Auxiliary is a veterans’ service organization with members in nearly 10,000 American communities. The organization sponsors volunteer programs on the national and local levels, focusing on three major areas: veterans, young people and the community.

Auxiliary members believe in the ideals and principles of America’s founding fathers and pledge to foster patriotism, preserve and defend the Constitution, promote allegiance to God and Country, and uphold the basic principles of freedom of religion, freedom of expression and freedom of choice. The Auxiliary embodies the spirit of America that has prevailed through war and peace and continues to stand firmly behind America today, as it did when the organization was first founded.

Initially, the Auxiliary was organized by concerned women who took on the day-to-day responsibilities of life when their male family members went across sea during World War I. Aware of the many fatherless families and the needs of returning veterans, Auxiliary women vowed to continue their supportive roles when the veterans of World War I founded The American Legion in 1919. Auxiliary members today are wives, mothers, sisters, daughters, granddaughters and great-granddaughters of these courageous veterans. Some members are veterans themselves.

The Auxiliary has conceived and implemented hundreds of programs for veterans, their families, young people and the community at large. Many programs have been expanded, creating commonly accepted institutions within the community and nation.

Two of the American Legion Auxiliary’s showcase programs are Girls State and Girls Nation. Both are intended for young women entering their senior year in high school with an interest in local, state and federal government. As a result of participation in these programs, these young women take responsibility for good citizenship and develop an understanding of government.

In addition to the Girls State and Girls Nation programs, the Auxiliary takes part in many community service projects and activities, while providing a focal point for citizens’ involvement within their own communities. The Auxiliary raises more than $18 million every year and reinvests these funds in VA medical centers and community programs. Thousands of hours are devoted to crime prevention, instructing children, elderly and the general public on safety and protection within the community. The Auxiliary supports programs for drug and alcohol abuse, missing children, teen suicide and teen pregnancy while working with organizations like the Children’s Miracle Network and Red Cross.

Auxiliary volunteers are the backbone of assistance in 171 VA Medical Centers. These volunteers not only provide diversion and entertainment for patients, but assist the hospital staff in physical and psychological therapy. There are more than 20 programs nationwide that receive support and financial aid from the American Legion Auxiliary, and the Auxiliary is a national co-sponsor of the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival.

Along with The American Legion, the Auxiliary has helped to lead the movement to return to the people their right to protect the American Flag from physical acts of desecration. The American Legion Family is working in Washington for passage of a Constitutional amendment to help protect and preserve the fabric of the nation.

The services of the American Legion Auxiliary directly and indirectly touch the lives of all Americans. With the philosophy of "Service, not Self," the American Legion Auxiliary develops a strong spirit of volunteerism in its members, who have joined together in the fellowship of giving to others.

To learn more about the Auxiliary, please visit the National Headquarters Web Site.