History
Founded in 1919, the American Legion Auxiliary is the world's largest women's patriotic service organization. With a membership at nearly 800,000, local American Legion Auxiliary Units have a strong presence in more than 9,000 communities nationwide. In the State of Maine our membership stands at just over 8,200 members with 116 Units throughout the state. The American Legion Auxiliary's mission is to support The American Legion and to honor the sacrifice of those who serve by enhancing the lives of our veterans, military and their families, both at home and abroad. For God and country, we advocate for veterans, educate our citizens, mentor youth, and promote patriotism, good citizenship, peace and security.
American Auxiliary Unit 39 – Madison Supports Our Local Youth
Pictured above from left to right – Back Row: Pat Santoni, Marie Wing, Lauraine Mercier, Harriet Bryant and Robin Turek (with her service dog, Colonel) Front Row: Maxine Dube, Merrilyn Vieira, Betty Dow and Kathy Cousineau
The Madison American Legion Auxiliary supports community programs such as Children and Youth. Each year they fill backpacks for children entering the DHHS system. Most of these children enter with nothing more than the clothes on their backs. We like to provide them with the backpacks filled with items they can call their own in hopes that it makes the transition a little easier for them. This year was no different as they donated 25 backpacks for this program.
American Legion Auxiliary members have dedicated themselves for nearly a century to meeting the needs of our nation’s veterans, military and their families both here and abroad. They volunteer millions of hours yearly, with a value of nearly $2 billion. As part of the world’s largest women’s patriotic service organization, Auxiliary volunteers across the country also step up to honor veterans and military through annual scholarships and with ALA Girls State programs, teaching high school juniors to be leaders grounded in patriotism and Americanism. To learn more about the Auxiliary’s mission or to volunteer, donate or join, visit www.ALAforVeterans.org or http://www.mainelegionpost39.org/. Or contact: Robin Turek, President - American Legion Auxiliary Tardiff-Belanger Unit #39, PO Box 325, Madison, ME - robinturek@gmail.com - 696-8289.