Patricia “Patti” Burge, Pomona, presided as department president during the 100th annual Department Convention of the Department of Missouri VFW Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, held June 11 through 14 at the Ramada Oasis in Springfield.
The VFW Auxiliary convention was opened Friday morning by Past Department President Judy Northcutt. Past National President Diana Stout served as the national representative at the meeting.
A memorial service was held Saturday morning for members who died during the 2025-26 year. Past National President Brenda Bryant gave the memorial address.
Program awards and citations were presented during the convention by department chairmen. Outgoing auxiliary and district presidents were recognized following the banquet Friday evening.
During Burge’s term of office, her theme was “Be the Reason That a Veteran Smiles Today.” The department ended her year June 30 with 101.78% membership. Burge was presented her past department president pin by Past Department Commander Quincy Myrick.
During her tenure, three new auxiliaries were instituted, including auxiliaries in Union, Wentworth and West Plains. The department also hosted four schools of instruction. Burge visited 10 of the department’s 12 districts, five veterans hospitals and seven veterans homes across the state.
She also visited the National Home in Michigan in June for its 100th birthday and again in October. In February, she traveled to Washington, D.C., for the final C.A.F.E., where members visited the National Mall and met with elected officials to discuss priority goals.
Burge’s visit with National President Lois Callahan was held in the Perryville area, where members visited Missouri’s National Veterans Memorial, the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal and Perryville VFW Post 4282.
Burge chose the hospital program as her special project for the year. Members of the department raised $8,390.25 as of May 31, exceeding the $5,000 goal. After the goal was met, District President Phillip Wilson got to put a pie in her face.
Election and installation of officers were held Saturday, June 13, with Past Department President Nelda Clifton serving as installing officer. Burge was installed as District 18 president.
Burge attended the national convention in Reno, Nev., in late July to learn how the Department of Missouri chairmen fared and whether the Department of Missouri would be selected for the Circle of Excellence.
