VFW, Auxiliary Meets May 19

Officers and members of the busy VFW Auxiliary of Post 5254 voted unanimously to hold their May 19 meeting by teleconferencing with President Vicki Latapie presiding.

The opening prayer was read; seven officers and two members participated, including President Latapie, Sr. Vice President Twila Thurmann, Jr. Vice President Barbara Brauner, Secretary Marilyn Kothmann, Treasurer Anna Boyd, Trustee Elizabeth Kallus, members Lorine Bertsch and Myrna Altwein.

The March reports by Treasurer Boyd and Secretary Kothmann were e-mailed to the participants prior to the conference call and both reports were approved.

The Legislative Report by Elizabeth Kallus reported that on May 21, National Geographic will feature a full day of World War II programming to pay tribute to the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day.

Kallus made a motion that in memory of long-time Auxiliary member Verlene Citzler, who passed away April 29, a $10 donation be made to the VFW Auxiliary Department of Texas Veterans and Family Support Unmet Needs Program. The motion passed.

Under new business, Kothmann read the 2020-2021 slate of officers to be elected and appointed at the proper time. A letter was received from the VFW National Home which houses veteran families in need. Services such as counseling are being handled by telephone.

The VFW Auxiliary National Council Administration voted to hold a one day mini-convention in Kansas City to hold their election and installation in July. Ballots for the election of the National Guard, the only contested office, will be mailed to the Auxiliaries.

Latapie reported that the premier National Convention sponsor, AmWINS, did not want their sponsorship money returned. Instead, National agreed to use those funds to mail one Year End Book to all Auxiliaries along with the National VFW Auxiliary 2020-2021 Program Book.

President Latapie requested a $20 check to be sent to the Department VFW Auxiliary for State Convention delegates fees, pending requesting clarification of said fees.

Buddy Poppy Report: No Buddy Poppy Memorial Day distribution due to COVID-19.

Scholarship Report: No seniors are due to receive Voice of Democracy monies this year.

The meeting concluded with a prayer until the June 16 meeting.