Delegates from south-central Missouri joined Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary members from across the country for the organization's 113th National Convention, held July 25 through 29 in Reno, Nev.
During the convention's Circle of Excellence Ceremony on July 25, Past Department President Patti Burge, Pomona, accepted the national Circle of Excellence award on behalf of the VFW Auxiliary Department of Missouri.
The Circle of Excellence is awarded to state departments that demonstrate exceptional membership growth, strict adherence to national bylaws, effective department communications, robust training programs and strong program participation. The Department of Missouri also received a $500 monetary award for achieving the distinction.
Missouri was assigned to Membership Group 8 alongside Arizona, Kansas, Maryland and Virginia. Several regional and state program chairmen received national recognition:
Veterans and Family Support: Chairman Darla Nebel took first place for Outstanding Performance.
Buddy Poppy & National Home: Chairman Brandy Young took first place for Outstanding Performance, along with top honors for best community promotion of the Buddy Poppy program and the most outstanding event raising awareness for the VFW National Home. Young also received an award for her assistance to the Chief of Staff in establishing a new VFW Auxiliary.
Hospital: Chairman Karen Cypret took first place for Outstanding Performance and first place for the most outstanding promotion of creative activities for hospitalized veterans.
Membership: Chairman Helen Heise earned first place for Outstanding Performance and top honors for membership program training and promotion.
Legislative: Chairman Trula Missey earned first place for the largest increase in VFW Action Alerts and new VFW Action Corps Weekly sign-ups, as well as second place for program dedication.
Historian & Media Relations: Chairman Mary K. Thurman received a second-place award for program dedication.
Scholarships: Chairman Danetta Wakefield received a second-place award for program dedication. Wakefield also served as a Color Bearer on the national floor during the convention.
Additionally, Amy Jo Lett served as a Legislative Ambassador during the event.
Three Missouri auxiliaries earned individual honors, including Union Auxiliary 12243, Lee's Summit Auxiliary 5789 and Washington Auxiliary 2661.
Patricia Janseen, of VFW Auxiliary 5923 in Camdenton, received a National Membership Achievement Award for recruiting 21 new members. Other members recognized for recruiting at least five new members this year included Angela Dice, Carolyn Davis, Danetta Wakefield, Judy Northcutt, Paula Lester, Gail Huffman, Rosalie McGaugh, Sandy Nail, Barbara Mowery, Betty Arnold, Steven Biby, Randy Leible, Brandy Young and Burge.
