VFW Auxiliary Holds Teleconference Meeting
Officers and members of the busy VFW Auxiliary of VFW Post 5254 voted unanimously to hold their June 16 meeting virtually with President Vicki Latapie presiding.
The opening prayer was read and nine members took part in the call. Participating were officers Vicki Latapie, Twila Thurmann, Barbara Brauner, Marilyn Kothmann, Anna Boyd, Elizabeth Kallus, Shirley Thrasher and members Lorine Bertsch and Myrna Altwein,
The minutes of the May 19 meeting were sent out via email along with the treasurer’s report, americanism report, legislative report, audit report, scholarship report and the election and installation ceremony. Secretary Kothman’s minutes and Treasurer Boyd’s report were approved as emailed. Boyd also reported membership is at 87.8%.
Legislative Chairman Elizabeth Kallus reported that the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency identified 14 unaccounted American servicemen from the Korean War and WWII were returned home for burial with full military honors; six from WWII and eight from the Korean War. Other articles from the “VFW Action Corps Weekly” included the three Veteran bills passed by the House, that the National Guard COVID-19 pandemic deployment has been extended and that VFW remains a staunch advocate of equality.
The Americanism/Patriotic report by chairman Kallus included a “Prayer for America” and the days to fly the American flag. Scholarship chair Brauner re
Scholarship chair Brauner reported that the 2020-2021 Voice of Democracy (VOD) and Patriot’s Pen themes have been announced by the National VFW Commander and articles for the local and area newspapers have been sent. The theme for the VOD is “Is This the Country the Founders Envsioned?” and the Patriot’s Pen theme is “What is Patriotism to Me? ” Brochures for these contests have been ordered to distribute to area schools.
Under old business, the audit report for January-March was read by trustee Kallus. Finding all books in order, she made a motion to accept the report which passed.
Under new business, Brauner moved to meet via teleconference once again in July with Thrasher seconding the motion and the motion passed. President Latapie reminded members that the 2020 100th State Convention will be held in Georgetown on June 19-20 and though no local members will be attending, a $20 registration fee must be sent in to the State office. Treasurer Boyd will send said fee along with the audit report.
With no further business, the election and installation of the 2020-2021 officers took place with Past President Twila Thruman serving as installing officer.
Officers installed are President Vicki Latape, Sr. Vice President Twila Thurman, Jr. Vice President Barbara Brauner, Treasurer Anna Boyd, Chaplain Myrna Altwein, Conductress Shirley Thrasher, Guard Lorine Bertsch and three year Trustee Elizabeth Kallus.
The following appointed officers were also installed: Secretary Marilyn Kothmann, Patriotic Instructor Elizabeth Kallus and Color Bearer, Flag Bearer and Banner Bearer (who are also the Trustees) Elizbeth Kallus.
Historian Beverly Gray, Color Bearer, Flag Bearer and Banner Bearer Gloria Spann and Jeannie Bertsch will be installed at the July 21 meeting.
The meeting concluded with a short prayer read by newly installed Chaplain Myrna Altwein until the July 21 meeting.