A Grand Showing for College Park Unit 217American Legion Auxiliary

By Ivy Christoffers

 

Thanks to all the officers and chairmen of College Park Unit 217 who worked so hard for us this past administrative year.  Because of you, we were recognized handsomely at the Departmental Convention held in Ocean City July 12-15. Although we are now competing in a much higher category, because we increased our membership considerably this year, we still did very well. Previously we competed with Units from 100-205 members, and now we are placed with Units from 206-355. members, which means they have more volunteers and more funds to work with. Our membership stands at 212 and we are always looking for qualified new recruits.

 Now let me tell you about the awards: first, we received two in membership, one for the most new members (16) in a Southern Maryland Unit and another for making goal plus 10. The next day, we received 11 more awards: First place for Americanism, (most outstanding work) National Security, (best all around program) Poppy, (best Poppy report), and two first place awards in the Public Relations field. We took second place for Community Service, Children &Youth, (most  Outstanding work) and Legislative, (best legislative report) and we received two awards for our work in the Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation field. A third place award was received for the Press Book submitted and judged by the National Public Relations Chairman. We owe a debt of gratitude to the Beltsville News for the press coverage they afford us that helped us receive that Press Book award. Now it is time to turn our sights to this new administrative year. Let us hope we can at least duplicate this showing next July, or if God permits, surpass it.  

Working toward the continued excellence of College Park Unit 217 are the following leaders for 2005-06: Sgt-at-Arms and Historian, Doris Davis; Chaplain, Betty Lenet; Treasurer and 2ndVice President, Katy Beard; Secretary, Joan Stewart; First Vice President, Angie Rodriguez; and, President, Ivy Christoffers. This is a busy time as we must first hold our audit, prepare our budget, and choose chairmen for the coming year before our first meeting on August 2nd.  

Several members of Unit and Post 217 were in attendance on Sunday, June 17th, to welcome home from their tour in Afghanistan the 450th Civil Affairs Battalion Airborne, stationed in Riverdale. Unit 217 member, Sue Carew, and her committee organized the ceremony, and it was a very well attended affair. The mayors of College Park and Riverdale, along with several other dignitaries, were in attendance. It was so heartwarming to witness the recognition of these brave men and women by their superior officers. Each member of the 450^th was presented an American flag. Several were advanced in rank, and many received medals commemorating their bravery. There was one loss from the ranks for whom a Purple Heart ceremony is being planned for the near future.  Sue wanted to express her gratitude to her new “buddy,” Bill Bladen, a member of Post 217 who is a staunch supporter of all our men and women in the military. Bill is a WWII veteran who is very proud of his part in securing our freedoms. We are very proud to call him “friend.”  

August 19th will be the day I depart for the National American Legion Auxiliary Convention in Honolulu, Hawaii. Our National American Auxiliary President, Sandi Dutton, a resident of Beltsville, has planned a very informative and entertaining convention. Following this event comes the LaMarche for the Eight & Forty at the same location. It is always good to spend some time with all my friends from across the 50 United States and catch upon each other’s lives. Boy, will I have some interesting news for them this year! They are not yet aware that I have begun my fourth career. I am now appearing in a movie being shot on location in Baltimore and Ocean City, which will be the fodder for another article one day soon.