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Evergreen Newsletter Online

February 2023

If your Unit members aren't receiving this newsletter, send their email addresses to alaevergreennews@gmail.com and I will add them to the mailing list!
Thanks,Editor Barb

DEPARTMENT PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

February 2023

Catherine A. Olson Department President Pro-Tem
Not just I but many others feel that mid-winter was successful, there was a lot of material to be presented and I think most of the agenda was accomplished. I can only hope attendees are all challenged to get back to basics such as review and revitalize.The lessons learned in kindergarten. Or what grandmother taught us - Be kind, assist those who cannot care for themselves. Never go to bed angry. Apologize when you recognize you’ve injured another emotional frame of mind. Explain if you are able on why you were blunt, you had no intention of being hurtful just,being honest. No intent to belittle or be harassing, just providing a solution. If there is one thing that we all should come away with from Commander Cook’s time with us yesterday, DO NOT COMPLAIN or dwell negatively on a topic. When you see a problemspeak out but, have a few POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS OR CORRECTIVE ACTIONS. Bring TO others to HELP RESOLVE THE ISSUE. DO NOT SPREAD PRIVILEDGED Information, reference the complaint. YES, writeinformation down so facts remain facts. Then take specific matters to the Unit or Postand District levels but remember only Units and Posts may take action in the beginning. District level can make recommendations to Units or for members to consider. The Unitmembers must vote on what actions are going to be taken. But what happens you ask if there is a problem with the Unit president or Postcommander? And what happened if that person is a buddy with the next level up.You still have to go through the proper steps. What happens if there,negative or apathetic responses from the mid-level leaders?o Make sure you keep good documentation of all suspect events, get witness backup as to the incident, if necessary, have an affidavit drawn up and present to theDepartment Headquarters.o Whatever you do; DO NOT JUMP THE CHAIN OF COMMAND! In other wordsdo not call or email National before speaking to someone in the Department. DO NOT DEMAND ACTION that could be detrimental to the Organization oryourself. ASK FOR ASSISTANCE IN OBTAINING A POSITIVE RESOLUTION TO THEISSUE.REMEMBER There are NO QUICK, ethical, moral or legal solution to any of the following:bullying, intimidation and harassment, misappropriations of membership funds, or othermatters some of our members have experienced. 
As an organization with thousands of members, we have an obligation to our members toprotect each one of them and the name of the organization from harmful, hurtful andillegal activity. A team or committee must research to find the funding needed to allow us to hire.Professional Resources team schooled in Human Resources law on board first. PATIENCE, Trust in our leadership to do the correct thing, ethically, morally,compassionately and fiscally responsible so nothing backfires and exacerbates.the issue.Ways and Means
Ring the bells and toot the horns set off the fireworks WOOHOO!! 
Jane Montaney on the Ways and Means front, collected $133.00 collected from the poppy soaps, lotions and candle items she got from Bath & Body Works, as well as from the other commercial vendors.Ladies, I have beautiful handmade quilt from Past Department President Jan Sperry. I was told that she made it for Carolyn following a request. Now with Carolyn gone I may use it as I see fit, so I’ve decided to donate it to our Ways and Means as a fundraiser. The moment I decide which program the funds are going to, I will let you all know. The raffle for the Quilt begins with Spring Conferences and run through Convention the winner will be announced at the Commander banquet.
Questions, comments my ala email is alapresident4Wa@outlook.com 2nd email is minearmy91c72y92r@gmail.com I will endeavor to answer within 48 hrs. provided I get your email.

Children & Youth  Catherine Olson-Chairperson 

Greetings to everyone in the Department of Washington. We have completed ½ of our Legion and Auxiliary year. The National Chairwoman for Children and Youth Pam Seeley held her January Zoom meeting, on the 26th of the month. There were 39 out of 55Departments represented. Many of the reports presented were updates on how departments, accomplished completing goals set for the Thanksgiving,and Christmas Seasons.
a) Cold weather clothing and coat drives for elementary, middle and high school students in impoverished area - Accomplished) Essentials and food baskets for families receiving state or Federal assistance) Participation in Halloween Trunk or Treat events, Food baskets for families in need of assistance - Accomplished) Toys for Tots, gaming consoles and games for teens were mentioned by several departments
Plans for Spring: Americanism for Tomorrow's Leaders

Easter Egg Hunts, military children of active duty, reserve and national guard service persons, Military Child’s Remembrance Table Ceremony, Poppy making and distribution by junior members of the Auxiliary, Sons of the Legion and scouting units.) Collection, preparation and performing Flag Disposal Ceremonies for grade schoolers) Memorial Day Ceremonies, Progression of America’s flags to today’s Stars and Stripes Plan early, provide news release notices about what your units or districts are doing.Get local politician involved with your program and make sure you get pictures. Remember to check with schools and community churches for Youth Hero Award Candidates and Good Citizen Award Candidates. Submit to our National organization before the deadline date. Ask reporters to visit on the day or days your Unit or District presents the awards. Send the article along with the write up toNational. Who knows your candidate could get noticed and be placed in the Auxiliary magazine.

Our Membership YearALA National President Vickie Koutz’ s theme:“Racing to the finish line!”
The Department Membership Chairperson has been having a very difficult time with family and health matters. She has not been able to provide much time to support our District or Unit membership chairs.· Our Past Department Presidents and I will be working with Units in each of the Districts to grow membership; rejoin former members; encourage acknowledging the longevity of Auxiliary members with 5, 10, 15, 20 years of membership up to 85yrs of Auxiliary service with special Certificates.· There are also Certificates for members who recruit 5 or 10 members, as well as the National Silver Brigade Award for 25 new members and the Gold Brigade Award for 50 and above new members. There will be prizes and incentives for reaching designated levels every few weeks or when a specific (%) percentage is reached. We have heard there are questions from units about how goals are determined and how can they be lowered when they seem exceedingly high?This will be determined on a case-by-case basis. The National Membership Chair has a competition going on all the time between states, divisions and there are even Unit against unit challenges.   Check out the National Membership Facebook page.Watch for information from NWDVP Eva Wallace and myself for now while I search for a Department Membership Chairperson. Who will win the Checkered Flag in July? 

National President's Visitation to Our Department Schedule  

We are honored to welcome our National President, Vickie Koutz! On Monday, March 27, 2023, President Vickie will start her visit with a tour of the Tiny Home village at WDVA Soldiers Home in Orting, then a luncheon will be served by Art Wrey Unit #187, 9315 Gravelly Lake Drive Ste #102, Lakewood at approximately noon. Following the luncheon, she will be touring Santa's Castle and that evening there will be a dinner reception at 5:15 pm at 4505 Martin Way East, in Olympia. Tuesday, March 28, she will be traveling to Eastern Washington to Ephrata for a luncheon at Art Semro Unit #28, 276 8th Ave. NW at noon. On Wednesday, March 29th she will heading to Vancouver Unit #14 for a light breakfast and reception. Look for more information in the March issue of the Evergreen News Online.   About President Vickie:Birthday - November 28Religion - ProtestantGifts - Please make donations to National President’s 2022-23 Special Project through the Department's Donation form.
The National President enjoys meeting with ALA, TAL, and SAL members, as well as service personnel, their spouses and veterans. She also requests that all Past National Presidents and National Chairmen be included in activities.  NATIONAL PRESIDENTS SCRAPBOOK If you have any photos from the National President’s official visit, please e-mail them to herNational Scrapbook Chairman at the following address:Scrapbook Chairman:Name: Vicky Stainbrook Address: 1305 California Street, Columbus, IN 47201Phone: 812-764-0206 

Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation Diana Hagen 

2022-2023 Dept. VA & R Chair Veterans Our Heart’s Valentines – let it shine!

The Western VA & R Team greets February as a fun and exciting month to share with Veterans.
Celebrating Valentine’s Day is one of the simplest things that means a lot to our Veterans.If you miss Valentine’s Day, consider St. Patrick’s Day.Here are some creative ideas: Decorate and create boxes to fill with surprises to share at your local VA Medical Center orVeterans Home by contacting their volunteer services or activities director. Consider contacting your church, coworkers, or American Legion Family for donations to include in the boxes (comfort items, clothing, books to read, magazines, and bedside activities) Contact local elementary teachers to participate by giving their students the opportunity to make greeting cards (no glitter, please!) for Veterans. If you fill your boxes with pre-packaged foods, please contact volunteer coordinator oractivities director for their suggestions.
Year-end VA & R Reports are due on May 15, 2023. National needs details about how our Units in Washington supports the Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation program whether as Voluntary Service at a VA Medical Center or in our communities as Service to Veterans. Especially important are activities, and projects related to caregiving for both Veterans and caring for Caregivers. Also, photos are needed to be included with our report. (Our report period is from April 1, 2022, to March 31, 2023).Please send your items to: randy-diana@comcast.net
Volunteering at our National Cemeteries is also part of VA &R. Some of the ways in which you can volunteer includes honoring Veterans at the time of burial, serving in Military Funeral Honors, providing staff support greeting visitors, directions around the grounds, administrative and grounds keeping support or planning ceremonies for Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Please contact your local VA Medical Center Voluntary Service Office (Center for Development and Civic Engagement) for more information.
Lastly, we need your help!! The Department needs a Chair and Vice Chair for the Orting Gift Shop. Our Gift Shops truly are a year-round activity as planning and shopping for gifts is continuous. Currently, big box stores like Costco have fantastic bargains on clothing (pajamas, fleece wear, tops, pants, jackets, and shoes).Please send news and photos of your VA & R activities as they occur. They are welcomed at any time. All news will be added to the Department’s VA & R Year-End Report.

Mid Winter DEC Meeting
Legislative News Eva Wallace, Chairperson
This month several members of the American Legion and Auxiliary from our Department will be attending the Washington DC Conference. We will be attending special meetings updating us on the latest information from the VA, National Security and Legislative. In addition, we will be meeting with our legislators and attending the National Commanders Testimony to the Joint Session of the Veterans Affairs Committees.The American Legion Legislative Agenda this year has several priorities that we will be discussing with our legislators that include:

• Mental Health & Suicide Prevention
• VA Healthcare Modernization
• the PACT Act Implementation & Oversight Protection of Veterans from Predatory Actors
• Concurrent Receipt for the National Guard Active-Duty Status
• Guard & Reserve GI Bill Parity
• GI Bill for Honorable Service
• Support our Afghan Allies
• Military Quality of Life
• Pay the Coast Guard, and
• Protect our American Flag

You can download a copy of the Agenda from the American Legion website here, Legion 2023 Legislative Agenda which explains in detail about the above-named priorities. Although we will be presenting copies during our visits in DC, I urge you to share a copy with the local offices of your legislators. It’s a good opening point to discussion about veteran issues within your own communities and lets them be informed of our priorities for Congress. Remember the American Legion Auxiliary supports Legislative agenda of the American Legion.

Americanism & EducationJane Montaney, Chairperson
Fellow members of the American Legion Auxiliary, Dept. of Washington.The time has come to ensure your Unit is preparing its End of the Year Impact Report and when it’s complete, use it to help write narratives, with pictures, which will inspire, others to follow your example.As the Department Chairman of both the Americanism and Education Programs I am appealing to each and every one of you please send in your Unit’s End of Year Impact Form and Narrative no later than April 15, 2023.
I’ll repeat – your reports have to be into me. 

NO LATER THAN APRIL 15, 2023.
Forms, which are downloadable and fillable, can be found by clicking here National Auxiliary Website I’m sure each unit of the Department of Washington is working the mission of the American Legion Auxiliary. Year end reports are very much needed for us to show Congress that we are doing what we were chartered for; and to share the information with others so they can follow our example and serve even more veterans.Other programs may have different deadlines but in order for me to meet the National deadlines given to me for both the Americanism and Education programs I must have your Unit Impact and Narrative Reports no later than April 15, 2023.Thanking you in advance for all you are doing and for helping complete the paperwork.Jane Montaney, Dept. Education Chairman 204 Maringo Road Ephrata, WA 98823  (509)760-1433   jmontaney@yahoo.com
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Editor Notes:Just a friendly reminder articles are due by the10th day of the month. Articles are needed from Department Officers, Chairmen, District Officers; where are they?Most importantly is an article from Units on upcoming events, or a flyer of an upcoming event. Something special that has happened in your Unit - send me an article and picture.Please send them to alaevergreennews@gmail.com, any questions just give me a call 509-670-9971. Barb Rutherford, Editor

*********************************************************************************Evergreen Girls State is happening June 11 - 17, in Ellensburg. We need your help to get deserving Junior and Senior girls to attend, and spend a week changing their lives.Visit our website for Registration forms, schedules, and all the Unit information you need! Click here!
ALA Evergreen Girls State

From: District or Unit News‌

District 1 Alice Richard, President
District 1 is working hard to reach the membership goals but as the members are reaching the senior years, numbers are declining. Unit 160 has several younger members and meeting by Zoom. We continue to identify and support our Veterans, active Military and families through various programs.Spring District 1 conference is scheduled for March 4, a month earlier than normal and no specifics are known at this time.Girls State candidates are being sought so each Unit will have at least two. The ability to have juniors and seniors this year will hopefully increase the numbers.I was reading the National AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY Magazine; February 2023 issue and I believe everyone can take note on page 40 to bring our American Legion Family back to the “Family” it should be. The article “Friendly Fire” Conflict on the Home Front should hit home for many Posts and Units. This has been a topic of discussion at the past several conventions and meetings. The top five issues with conflict are 1) personality conflicts, 2) power struggles in leadership, 3) bullying and jealousy and (3 and 4 tied), and 5) resistance to change. These really hit home in many Posts and Units and continue because individuals and groups are not willing to work together. You should ask yourself after reading the article as I will not state it verbatim, what can our individual Posts and Units do to work together without the fights and issues. Another key point in the February 2023 AUXILIARY Magazine is on page 15- bottom right corner, Quick Tips for Managing Social – Several key items I see is 1) Keep things positive, 2) Do not gossip or air dirty laundry and 3) respond negatively to message and comments. Let us all work together to improve our commitment to the American Legion Family.We need to get back to the Legion Family and work to our common goals of helping Veterans together.
District 2 Terri Campbell, President
District 2: hopefully 2023 will be a better year for everyone. Coming out of a pandemic and struggling to get things going again in our lives, communities and the programs we support have not been easily done.
At Mid-Winter we heard how many units in our state are working together to accomplish their membership goals and working on projects, holding fundraisers, all to support out Veterans.
Recognizing the contributions of our members is key in retaining membership. Honoring the mission of the American Legion Auxiliary by keeping focus on our programs and traditions is vital to the health of your Unit. For example, dispensing with the recital of our Preamble or the Pledge of Allegiance.
By creating an email list, you can send the agenda prior to your next meeting and also send the minutes of the previous meeting. As mentioned before, communication is the best way to get more members interested in volunteering.
Spring Conference: 2nd District 2023 Auxiliary Spring conference will be held at Sedro Wooley Post #43 on Saturday April 22nd at 10AM. I will let you know in our next District newsletter the cost of the meal and what is on the menu. Due to our bylaws, our election is in April; therefore we have to hold our conference in April in order to elect our New Officers. This year we are going to change it up a bit. We will go through our auxiliary business from 10 AM to noon, have lunch and after lunch proceed with the election of Officers. Once the elections are completed, we will go into different groups that you may find not only interesting to join but beneficial. You can join one or more groups of your choice. these are some groups to keep in mind: Officers Training, Fundraiser Ideas, what works in a Unit? Membership Transmittal Training, and Creative Ideas
Hopefully we will see you at the Spring Conference.

Bingo!! Bainbridge Island Unit 172 is hosting Bingo every Sunday afternoon! Come take a ferry ride and join us as we have lots of fun and exciting bingo games.Proceeds benefit our veterans' programs throughout the year.We would love to have you join us.
For more information, check out our Facebook page:
Unit and Post 172 Facebook page