For the Long Run – The Huntersville American Legion Auxilar

Making a difference

Left: ALA Unit 321 President Toni Reale. Right: Parents receive Blue Star Banners to hang in their windows, signifying they have a son or daughter actively serving in the Armed Forces.

Huntersville American Legion Auxiliary supports service members and their families

by Tony Ricciardelli | photography courtesy of Huntersville American Legion Auxiliary

Founded in 1919, The American Legion Auxiliary was originally an organization of women patriots working alongside the American Legion to support and improve the lives of military service members following WWI. The organization now operates independently as its own global entity boasting two million global members. Formerly the largest women’s patriotic philanthropic organization, the membership now includes men and women standing for the armed forces, veterans, their families, and the community. Since 1947, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 321 (ALA) in Huntersville has assisted its military brethren through its many projects and programs. The Unit includes Senior members (adults), and Junior members (those under eighteen years of age).

According to Huntersville resident, Toni Reale, ALA Department of North Carolina Division 3 President, “Each year, we offer programs dedicated to supporting veterans and their families. We’ve hosted dinners for the Veterans, both at the Post 321 and at the Salisbury VA Hospital, sent care packages to active-duty troops, and collected funds for robotic pets and stuffed animals for veterans suffering from PTSD and dementia. The more money we raise, the more assistance we can provide to veterans. We do our best to fulfill the wish lists we receive from the four Veteran Hospitals around the state. We usually schedule one activity per month to raise funds to meet this goal.”

Two notable programs the Auxiliary sponsor are its college scholarships program, and The Tarheel Girl’s State Project (TGSP)-the longest continuously running Girls State program in the country. The TGSP is a one-week immersion program held at Catawba College, where rising-high school seniors are selected to experience a first-hand opportunity to gain experience about Federal and North Carolina government and its intricacies, and practice the skills required of future women leaders. “We believe in responsible citizenry, says Reale, “The girls spend time with elected officials, government experts, and expert speakers.”

Of the several scholarships offered by the Auxiliary, The Children of Warriors National Presidents’ Scholarship (students K-12), and The Spirit of Youth Scholarship for Junior Members (college-bound prospects), award scholarships in the amount of $2,500 and $5,000.

“Our scholarship programs address the costs and challenges associated with education, including broad support for teachers and students, says Reale. “These scholarships have made a difference in the lives of our veteran families.”

The next fundraiser for the American Legion Local 321 is “The Heroes 5K Run – Family Fun Walk” scheduled for Sat., May 22. All proceeds benefit PTSD and Recreational programs at W.G (Bill) Hefner VA Medical Center, Salisbury, NC. The Unit will also distribute Poppies, the Flower of Remembrance, starting in May. All poppy proceeds are used to benefit veterans.

For more information on American Legion Auxiliary Unit 321, go to www.facebook.com/ALAHuntersvilleNC, or contact Toni Reale at 516.606.1466.

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