American Legion District 1 meeting summary

The first District of the American Legion Auxiliary met on Sunday, August 13, 2023, at the Emmett Shields Post #55 in Hannibal at 2 p.m. District President Linda Maddox called the meeting to order and then District Chaplain, Gail Dietrich, gave an opening prayer. Roll Call was answered by 12 members from 7 Units and a guest from Canton.

New membership cards were passed out to the Units for collection. District 1 units won several certificates at convention in recognition of best reports: Callao Unit 360 for the Emergency Fund; Callao Unit 360 for Scrap Book and Lewistown Unit 578 for VA &R plus $5.00. District 1 won a certificate for the Auxiliary Emergency Fund; $5.00 for Community Service; Certificate & $5.00 for Legislative; Certificate for Scrap Book and a certificate and $5.00 for VA & R.

The District conducted a memorial service recognizing 21 deceased Unit members. Tribute was given to Mildred Fortney & Ruby Dunbar of Unit 20 Kirksville; Ardelia Maddox and Jean Northcutt of Unit 55 Hannibal; Dorothy Hufty and Ida Wheelan of Unit 221 Paris; Janet Goodson of Unit 358 Knox City; Sally Adams, Mary L. Davis, Catherine Dawson and Marcy Thomas of Unit 360 Callao; Vida Greening, Joyce Mayes, Harriot Palmer and Maggie smith of Unit 376 Shelbina and Betty Dance, Dorothy Day, Frances Keppner, Clara O’Brien, Joan Searle and Claire Wehrmann of Unit 578 Lewistown. Pictured left to right are representatives of those Units who participated in the ceremony: Victoria Ornelas, Past Dept. President & President Unit 55 Hannibal; Bonnie Wood, President Unit 376 Shelbina; Gail Dietrich, District & Unit Chaplain of Unit 578 Lewistown and Linda Maddox, District President & President of Callao Unit 360.

After the memorial service Past Department President Victoria Ornelas installed the officers present for the ensuing two years. Left to right: President Victoria; Chaplain Gail Dietrich of Unit 578; Secretary Treasure, Wanda Burnett of Unit 29 and President Linda Maddox of Unit 360. Not-present were Sgt. of Arms, Jessica Clay of Unit 221 Paris and Vice-President Michelle Emmerich of Unit 29 Macon.

The next meeting will be held on November 5, 2023 at the Argonne Memorial Post in Callao.