Auxiliary is Active

WAITSBUG - They say that, "Behind every good man is a good woman." That statement certainly holds true for the group of women behind Waitsburg's American Legion Post #35. Waitsburg's Auxiliary is a very active women's service organization, af- filiated with the Legion and dedicated to helping veterans and their families. They strive to live out the club motto, "Service, not self."

The Auxiliary consists of mothers, wives, sisters, daughters, granddaughters and great-granddaughters of veterans active in times of conflict. By member- ship standards, August 1990 to the present is considered a time of conflict. Female Legion members may also become Auxil- iary members.

Waitsburg's Auxilia- ry hosts turkey Bingo at Hometown Christmas each year as their main fundraiser. Then they put those funds to work. Locally, the group sponsors two operated as a source of fund­ing for the post, but also as a gathering place and source of enjoyment for veterans returning from World War II.

Ivan Keve, a member of the Legion for 68 years, recalls returning from World War II, where he was sta­tioned in Germany. "I en­joyed spending time at the Legion Club and being around men who had experi­enced the same things I had," said Keve. "I think it was important for those veterans who were displaced after the war to have a place for cama­raderie, where they could get together after the war."

The club became the social hub of Waitsburg, hosting dances, banquets and Days of Real Sport breakfasts. In March 2003, due to declining income and increasing operating costs, it was necessary to close the club, and eventually sell the building in 2004. The loss of the club, and the cama­raderie it provided, caused membership numbers to decrease dramatically over the following years.

Today, the Legion has a less visible presence, but continues to provide the same dedication to the Waitsburg community. A half-dozen service-mind­ed men and women meet monthly at Ye Towne Hall to plan and organize projects.

In 2000, the group joined with the American Legion Auxiliary to build the Vet­eran's Memorial Wall at the Waitsburg Cemetery. Each year they add new names to the wall and honor local veterans in a Memorial Day ceremony.

The Legion also plants flags and crosses on the graves of veterans in our lo­cal cemeteries, prior to Me­morial Day each year. This year, 377 markers received flags. Legionnaires make sure that flags are placed on Main Street at the appropri­ate holiday and parade days, though many non-members give them a hand.

Proceeds from the sale of the Legion Club allow the Post to provide two $500 scholarships to Waitsburg students each year. The group also sponsors two or three students to Boy's State each year, where they learn about citizenship and gov­ernment.

The Post is dedicated to helping veterans and fami­lies in need, stepping in wherever possible. On more than one occasion, members have been instrumental in aiding families who can't afford a headstone for their veteran. They also assist with the "Gift Store" at the Veterans' Administration Hospital in Walla Walla, mailing gift packages for those in the facility.

Today, the majority of active members are World War II vets and the post is in need of youthful enthusiasm, strength and energy. "I know a lot of the veterans don't return home, because there isn't much work here, unless you farm," said Keve. "But also, people just don't make service organizations a pri­ority. If anyone has any pa­triotism to them at all, I think they ought to follow our motto and 'Get Involved'".

Cindy Standring, an Air Force veteran, active during the Lebanon and Grenada conflicts, has been involved in the Auxiliary for several years. Recently, however, she began attending Legion meetings as well. "These guys need help," she said. "Someone has to step up. It's important to honor and sup­port our vets and they can't do it alone."

Those interested in learn­ing more about the local American Legion post may contact Ivan Keve at ik­bakeve@charter.net.