February 17, 2022
We are often asked by members what the American Legion Auxiliary Department does for them. We could not function without our Department Secretary. Her duties include: being liaison between Colorado and National American Legion Auxiliary and The American Legion.
National sends our Department Secretary the membership cards. It is her responsibility to get the cards to each unit. Whether they pick up their cards at State Convention or her mailing them to the Units.
She is responsible to process all of the membership once it is mailed in and to deposit the money that is sent in for membership.
She is responsible for getting membership reports out.
She is responsible for answering questions, when members call- which also entails research sometimes to ge the answers.
She is responsible for doing financial reports.
She is responsible for making bank deposits for all money sent in and making sure it gets to right place on the finance ledgers. She accommodates the Audit team when they need to conduct and audit.
She is responsible for getting the directory put together and copies made.
She is responsible for getting the packets of information ready for District Fall Conferences.
She is responsible for getting all the information and details prepared for Mid-Year, State and National Conventions
She is responsible for doing all the minutes for these conventions and all meetings.
She is responsible for getting the Poppies and getting them out to Units who need them.
She is responsible for blasting out Program information and informational emails.
She is responsible for getting the Year End Reports to the Committee chairs.
She is responsible for keeping all the documents with the IRS and Secretary of State updated to keep us in good standing with the government entities.
The list goes on. If there is no captain driving the ship, the ship will sink
We are often asked by members what the American Legion Auxiliary Department does for them. We could not function without our Department Secretary. Her duties include: being liaison between Colorado and National American Legion Auxiliary and The American Legion.
National sends our Department Secretary the membership cards. It is her responsibility to get the cards to each unit. Whether they pick up their cards at State Convention or her mailing them to the Units.
She is responsible to process all of the membership once it is mailed in and to deposit the money that is sent in for membership.
She is responsible for getting membership reports out.
She is responsible for answering questions, when members call- which also entails research sometimes to ge the answers.
She is responsible for doing financial reports.
She is responsible for making bank deposits for all money sent in and making sure it gets to right place on the finance ledgers. She accommodates the Audit team when they need to conduct and audit.
She is responsible for getting the directory put together and copies made.
She is responsible for getting the packets of information ready for District Fall Conferences.
She is responsible for getting all the information and details prepared for Mid-Year, State and National Conventions
She is responsible for doing all the minutes for these conventions and all meetings.
She is responsible for getting the Poppies and getting them out to Units who need them.
She is responsible for blasting out Program information and informational emails.
She is responsible for getting the Year End Reports to the Committee chairs.
She is responsible for keeping all the documents with the IRS and Secretary of State updated to keep us in good standing with the government entities.
The list goes on. If there is no captain driving the ship, the ship will sink
January 8, 2022
Now that all the holidays are over and Mid-year, it is time to start recruiting for Girls State and the Oratorical Speech Contest.
ALA Colorado Girls State allows young women to develop leadership skills, build confidence, and attain an action based understanding of the governmental process, creating a lasting foundation for personal and professional success.
Girls State will be held at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, Colorado on Saturday June 4, 2022 through Thursday June 9, 2022.
The applications are online at girlsstate-alacolorado.com. The deadline for Junior and Senior Counselors is February 28, 2022 and the deadline for delegates is May 1, 2022.
The cost will be $265 per delegate.
The American Legion Oratorical Speech Contest will be held March 5, 2022 at the Goldenview Classical Academy in Golden, Colorado. The address for the Goldenview Classical Academy is 601 Corporate Circle, Golden, CO.
The guidelines are: Speaking subjects must be on some aspect of the U.S. Constitution, with emphasis on the duties and obligations of citizens to our government, and be between 8-10 minutes.
A 3-5 minute speech on an assigned topic is also required.
High School students ages 20 and under may participate.
It’s time to start spreading the word about Girls State and the Oratorical contest.
The American Legion and Auxiliary State Convention will be held on June 16-19, 2022. Due to Hotel Elgante being unavailable the site for Convention will be announced at a later date.
Please note that Mid-Year Conference has been cancelled due to the Hotel Elgante closing down.
Now that all the holidays are over and Mid-year, it is time to start recruiting for Girls State and the Oratorical Speech Contest.
ALA Colorado Girls State allows young women to develop leadership skills, build confidence, and attain an action based understanding of the governmental process, creating a lasting foundation for personal and professional success.
Girls State will be held at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, Colorado on Saturday June 4, 2022 through Thursday June 9, 2022.
The applications are online at girlsstate-alacolorado.com. The deadline for Junior and Senior Counselors is February 28, 2022 and the deadline for delegates is May 1, 2022.
The cost will be $265 per delegate.
The American Legion Oratorical Speech Contest will be held March 5, 2022 at the Goldenview Classical Academy in Golden, Colorado. The address for the Goldenview Classical Academy is 601 Corporate Circle, Golden, CO.
The guidelines are: Speaking subjects must be on some aspect of the U.S. Constitution, with emphasis on the duties and obligations of citizens to our government, and be between 8-10 minutes.
A 3-5 minute speech on an assigned topic is also required.
High School students ages 20 and under may participate.
It’s time to start spreading the word about Girls State and the Oratorical contest.
The American Legion and Auxiliary State Convention will be held on June 16-19, 2022. Due to Hotel Elgante being unavailable the site for Convention will be announced at a later date.
Please note that Mid-Year Conference has been cancelled due to the Hotel Elgante closing down.
October 29, 2021
As the visitations for District Fall Conferences come to an end, it is time to start thinking about Mid-Year. I encourage all members of the American Legion Auxiliary to attend. It will be held at the Hotel Elegante in Colorado Springs January 21—23, 2022.
I am going to do some poster board displays for the Auxiliary Programs. If you are committee chairman, please make a poster showcasing what your committee is doing. Include pictures, information about the committee, and any awards that can be earned.
If you have any members that have passed away, please contact our Department Chaplain: Donna Rae Smith so we can remember them at the Memorial Service on Sunday.
We are going to present the Hero Youth Award at the Media Banquet. If you know of any youth in your community that has done a Heroic act let us know. Send the information to the Department Secretary Terry Lena.
We will be doing thank you cards for the caretakers in our communities. If you have thank you cards and want to bring them, please do.
On Friday January 22, 2022 the auxiliary will host a Rosie the Riveter fundraiser at Post 38. Dress up like Rosie the Riveter. A shuttle will be available from the hotel to Post 38. A taco bar will be available if you wish to eat there. A DJ will be playing music. We will have some activities to raise money.
Thank you for all that you do.
American Legion Auxiliary
Department of Colorado President
Theresa Brandt
As the visitations for District Fall Conferences come to an end, it is time to start thinking about Mid-Year. I encourage all members of the American Legion Auxiliary to attend. It will be held at the Hotel Elegante in Colorado Springs January 21—23, 2022.
I am going to do some poster board displays for the Auxiliary Programs. If you are committee chairman, please make a poster showcasing what your committee is doing. Include pictures, information about the committee, and any awards that can be earned.
If you have any members that have passed away, please contact our Department Chaplain: Donna Rae Smith so we can remember them at the Memorial Service on Sunday.
We are going to present the Hero Youth Award at the Media Banquet. If you know of any youth in your community that has done a Heroic act let us know. Send the information to the Department Secretary Terry Lena.
We will be doing thank you cards for the caretakers in our communities. If you have thank you cards and want to bring them, please do.
On Friday January 22, 2022 the auxiliary will host a Rosie the Riveter fundraiser at Post 38. Dress up like Rosie the Riveter. A shuttle will be available from the hotel to Post 38. A taco bar will be available if you wish to eat there. A DJ will be playing music. We will have some activities to raise money.
Thank you for all that you do.
American Legion Auxiliary
Department of Colorado President
Theresa Brandt
A Message from Department President Theresa Brandt
September 22, 2021
As we go to our District Fall Conferences, it puts into perspective how great our members are and the great work they do for good of this organization. We have traveled to towns that I had never been too, which is good to make those connections. We see names in the directory and communicate through emails. Now we can put a face to the names. As we drove though Craig, Colorado, their downtown had flags flying all up and down main street. They were flying them for Constitution Day and fly them for all other Patriotic holidays. It was a wonderful to see all of the flags flying in one small town.
As Veterans' Day approaches, it is a time for us to pay our respects to all American veterans who have served in the past, present and even pays tribute to those who will serve in the future. Veterans Day especially gives thanks to the living veterans who served their country honorably during war and peacetime. For one day we stand united in respect for our veterans. Veterans Day started as a day to reflect upon the heroism of those who died in our country's service and was originally called Armistice Day and originated on November 11, 1919, the first anniversary of the end of World War I.
Some important dates coming up are:
October 29, 2021 all donations are due for VA facility gifts for distribution at Christmas
November 11, 2021 is the membership Renew/Rejoin target one 75%
November 15, 2021 is 990 postcard if your units close of books is June 30th.
As we go to our District Fall Conferences, it puts into perspective how great our members are and the great work they do for good of this organization. We have traveled to towns that I had never been too, which is good to make those connections. We see names in the directory and communicate through emails. Now we can put a face to the names. As we drove though Craig, Colorado, their downtown had flags flying all up and down main street. They were flying them for Constitution Day and fly them for all other Patriotic holidays. It was a wonderful to see all of the flags flying in one small town.
As Veterans' Day approaches, it is a time for us to pay our respects to all American veterans who have served in the past, present and even pays tribute to those who will serve in the future. Veterans Day especially gives thanks to the living veterans who served their country honorably during war and peacetime. For one day we stand united in respect for our veterans. Veterans Day started as a day to reflect upon the heroism of those who died in our country's service and was originally called Armistice Day and originated on November 11, 1919, the first anniversary of the end of World War I.
Some important dates coming up are:
October 29, 2021 all donations are due for VA facility gifts for distribution at Christmas
November 11, 2021 is the membership Renew/Rejoin target one 75%
November 15, 2021 is 990 postcard if your units close of books is June 30th.
September 1, 2021
Department of Colorado just got back from National Convention. Colorado got several kudos during the Convention. Nancy Defienderfer was mentioned at the membership meeting for her synopsis of Membership what each letter of the word Membership means in relation to membership. Terri Clinton won the National Award for Americanism for her 25 Patriotic Days, she was also mentioned for Legislative for speaking on behalf of veterans at several different functions, Unit 13 was mentioned for winning the Northwest Division for Public Relations, Colorado was mentioned for the sock activity and Unit 1879 won the President’s Award of Excellence award for the cookbook they produced for the 100th anniversary.
In September the Fall Conferences will start. I encourage all members to attend as there is always something new to learn. I am looking forward to traveling around as much as I can.
We are in the process of upgrading our webpage with current information. If you are a chairman of a committee, please go on the webpage for The American Legion Auxiliary Department of Colorado which is: www.alacolorado.com and check out your committee and see if anything is old and outdated. If so, please send Laurie Kuntz or Cathy Barger the new information so it can be put on the webpage. Please remember to refresh the page so you can see the current information. I will start working on it to see what needs updated after National Convention. Our members need to go to the website and see current information.
I will be gone to the National Presidents Retreat October 10-12, but I will still be available if I am needed.
Our prayers got out to Afghanistan, remember our troops that are still there and that everyone gets out safely especially as 9-11 anniversary approaches. Our support is needed more than ever to assure them that their service mattered.
Keep Your Hearts on the Tasks at Hand.
Department of Colorado just got back from National Convention. Colorado got several kudos during the Convention. Nancy Defienderfer was mentioned at the membership meeting for her synopsis of Membership what each letter of the word Membership means in relation to membership. Terri Clinton won the National Award for Americanism for her 25 Patriotic Days, she was also mentioned for Legislative for speaking on behalf of veterans at several different functions, Unit 13 was mentioned for winning the Northwest Division for Public Relations, Colorado was mentioned for the sock activity and Unit 1879 won the President’s Award of Excellence award for the cookbook they produced for the 100th anniversary.
In September the Fall Conferences will start. I encourage all members to attend as there is always something new to learn. I am looking forward to traveling around as much as I can.
We are in the process of upgrading our webpage with current information. If you are a chairman of a committee, please go on the webpage for The American Legion Auxiliary Department of Colorado which is: www.alacolorado.com and check out your committee and see if anything is old and outdated. If so, please send Laurie Kuntz or Cathy Barger the new information so it can be put on the webpage. Please remember to refresh the page so you can see the current information. I will start working on it to see what needs updated after National Convention. Our members need to go to the website and see current information.
I will be gone to the National Presidents Retreat October 10-12, but I will still be available if I am needed.
Our prayers got out to Afghanistan, remember our troops that are still there and that everyone gets out safely especially as 9-11 anniversary approaches. Our support is needed more than ever to assure them that their service mattered.
Keep Your Hearts on the Tasks at Hand.
August 1, 2021
Soon the National Convention will be in our rearview mirror. As the attack on Pearl Harbor has always been remembered, the attack on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and flight 93 that went down in a field in Somerset County, Pennsylvania will be foremost in our minds on September 11, 2001. It will be day in history that is never forgotten, just as Pearl Harbor is never forgotten. Those events changed the course of our country- leading us into war. It has been 20 years and the war is coming to end, but the work of The American Legion and The American Legion Auxiliary and SAL is just as needed now as it was during World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam, the war in Iraq and Afghanistan and all other conflicts we have encountered as a great nation. We have a whole new generation of veterans that need our help and understanding.
The World Trade Center had its share of trouble. It was finished being built on April 4, 1973. It was the tallest building in world, when it was built. On Feb 13, 1975 a fire broke out causing damage to upper floors of the building, on Feb 26, 1993 a truck full of explosives bombed the building, on January 14, 1998 a major bank robbery occurred netting 2 million in stolen money and on Sept 11, 2001 the building was destroyed by Al Qaeda. As a result of those attacks, Patriotism was at an all time high as America was once again caught off guard by the attacks. Today our nation is a troubled nation and it is more important than ever that we keep instilling that patriotism.
In September we will start the Fall Conferences, I am looking forward to see old friends and meeting new friends as we make District visitations. In September membership will get in full swing, make sure to get your membership in and not hold on to them. Keep your hearts on the task at hand and let’s have a great year.
Soon the National Convention will be in our rearview mirror. As the attack on Pearl Harbor has always been remembered, the attack on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and flight 93 that went down in a field in Somerset County, Pennsylvania will be foremost in our minds on September 11, 2001. It will be day in history that is never forgotten, just as Pearl Harbor is never forgotten. Those events changed the course of our country- leading us into war. It has been 20 years and the war is coming to end, but the work of The American Legion and The American Legion Auxiliary and SAL is just as needed now as it was during World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam, the war in Iraq and Afghanistan and all other conflicts we have encountered as a great nation. We have a whole new generation of veterans that need our help and understanding.
The World Trade Center had its share of trouble. It was finished being built on April 4, 1973. It was the tallest building in world, when it was built. On Feb 13, 1975 a fire broke out causing damage to upper floors of the building, on Feb 26, 1993 a truck full of explosives bombed the building, on January 14, 1998 a major bank robbery occurred netting 2 million in stolen money and on Sept 11, 2001 the building was destroyed by Al Qaeda. As a result of those attacks, Patriotism was at an all time high as America was once again caught off guard by the attacks. Today our nation is a troubled nation and it is more important than ever that we keep instilling that patriotism.
In September we will start the Fall Conferences, I am looking forward to see old friends and meeting new friends as we make District visitations. In September membership will get in full swing, make sure to get your membership in and not hold on to them. Keep your hearts on the task at hand and let’s have a great year.
July 22, 2021 Hello Ladies and Gents of the American Legion Auxiliary.
This is going to be a great year. We can only hope that COVID-19 stays at bay and we can work our programs. National Convention is rapidly approaching. It will be in Phoenix, Arizona August 27-Sept 3, 2021. If you can attend, please do. It is quite the experience to see our National leaders in action.
After convention, the Department of Colorado District visitations will start. As soon as we have a schedule, we will let the districts know when we will be visiting.
I ask that the membership bare with me. I had a family emergency on July 3rd. My son is requiring 24/7 care while he recovers from a motorcycle accident. I am helping take care of him, plus his yardwork and anything he needs taken care while he is down. He has a least a 6-month recovery time. I check my emails regularly, but if I cannot make an event, please understand that it is not because I do not want to go, but I can’t. I will try to do as much as I can.
We will be updating the webpage with the correct forms for this year. Please refresh the webpage each time you go on the webpage as it will change from time to time. If you use the National webpage refresh theirs as well, because theirs will be changing from time to time.
If you have questions on anything please feel free to call Terry at Head Quarters or myself, I am retired so I am available most of the time.
In my last article I had left out Vice President and had the wrong person down for President Elect on the list of Officers my apologies to Tina Cooper and Bettina Kossow. The proper list is as follows:
NEC Laurie Kuntz
President Theresa Brandt
President Elect Tina Cooper
Vice President Bettina Kossow
Secretary/Treasurer Terry Lena
Chaplain Donna Rae Smith
Historian Nancy Diefenderfer
Sgt at Arms Cathy Barger
Parliamentarian Donna Thompson
Let’s keep our hearts on the task at hand and be respectful to each other. Let’s be Colorado proud! Most of all have fun.
American Legion Auxiliary Department of Colorado
President Theresa Brandt
This is going to be a great year. We can only hope that COVID-19 stays at bay and we can work our programs. National Convention is rapidly approaching. It will be in Phoenix, Arizona August 27-Sept 3, 2021. If you can attend, please do. It is quite the experience to see our National leaders in action.
After convention, the Department of Colorado District visitations will start. As soon as we have a schedule, we will let the districts know when we will be visiting.
I ask that the membership bare with me. I had a family emergency on July 3rd. My son is requiring 24/7 care while he recovers from a motorcycle accident. I am helping take care of him, plus his yardwork and anything he needs taken care while he is down. He has a least a 6-month recovery time. I check my emails regularly, but if I cannot make an event, please understand that it is not because I do not want to go, but I can’t. I will try to do as much as I can.
We will be updating the webpage with the correct forms for this year. Please refresh the webpage each time you go on the webpage as it will change from time to time. If you use the National webpage refresh theirs as well, because theirs will be changing from time to time.
If you have questions on anything please feel free to call Terry at Head Quarters or myself, I am retired so I am available most of the time.
In my last article I had left out Vice President and had the wrong person down for President Elect on the list of Officers my apologies to Tina Cooper and Bettina Kossow. The proper list is as follows:
NEC Laurie Kuntz
President Theresa Brandt
President Elect Tina Cooper
Vice President Bettina Kossow
Secretary/Treasurer Terry Lena
Chaplain Donna Rae Smith
Historian Nancy Diefenderfer
Sgt at Arms Cathy Barger
Parliamentarian Donna Thompson
Let’s keep our hearts on the task at hand and be respectful to each other. Let’s be Colorado proud! Most of all have fun.
American Legion Auxiliary Department of Colorado
President Theresa Brandt
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Greetings from you newly elected President Theresa Brandt
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June 2021
The American Legion Auxiliary Department of Colorado finally was able to hold an in person Colorado Department Convention. A big thank you to Past Department President, Tracy Trujillo, for stepping up and serving as President for two years and all the other Officers for serving an additional year. We had a very successful Convention. The new officers are:
NEC Laurie Kuntz
President Theresa Brandt
President Elect Bettina Kossow
Secretary/Treasurer Terry Rose Lena
Chaplain Donna Rae Smith
Historian Nancy Diefenderfer
Sgt at Arms Cathy Barger
Parliamentarian Donna Thompson
As we emerge out of a year that caught American by surprise, there is still the unknown of: Will COVID-19 re-emerge? Will the COVID shot last or how long will they last? How do we conduct business-in person or virtual? The future is still unknown.
Going through the last year, The American Legion and The American Legion Auxiliary found innovative ways to continue the next 100 years of serving our veterans, our communities and our youth. We found new ways to communicate, hold meetings, do take out orders for dinner, and reverse activities to name a few.
Because of COVID we learned to slow down and appreciate life at a slower pace. Even though there is still the unknown about COVID and how it will play out, we are better prepared to conduct business and continue on with our obligations to this wonderful organization, than we were last year. We Can Do It! We will survive and continue our great programs and activities.
My theme this year is Keep Your Hearts on The Tasks At Hand. Sometimes we get so focused on our own agendas, we start to forget why we are in this organization and what is best for the organization as a whole. We will not always agree, but we still need to maintain professionalism and respect for one another. We need to work as a team, everyone has something to contribute and it takes all of us to make The American Legion Auxiliary the best possible organization it can be. It is up to us and how we conduct ourselves to make this organization enjoyable, fun and something we can be proud of--something people want to join and be apart of.
My hopes this year is to build unity and communicate the best way possible so everyone gets the information that is going out. I will be using The Observer, our website, and emails, hopefully this reaches everyone.
I am excited to get started as your President for 2021-2022. I am going to serve you the best possible way I can. If you have any questions feel free to call me. I want to stress that Department is transparent, we have nothing to hide. If you are struggling with something please feel free to ask questions. We are here to serve you.
The American Legion Auxiliary Department of Colorado finally was able to hold an in person Colorado Department Convention. A big thank you to Past Department President, Tracy Trujillo, for stepping up and serving as President for two years and all the other Officers for serving an additional year. We had a very successful Convention. The new officers are:
NEC Laurie Kuntz
President Theresa Brandt
President Elect Bettina Kossow
Secretary/Treasurer Terry Rose Lena
Chaplain Donna Rae Smith
Historian Nancy Diefenderfer
Sgt at Arms Cathy Barger
Parliamentarian Donna Thompson
As we emerge out of a year that caught American by surprise, there is still the unknown of: Will COVID-19 re-emerge? Will the COVID shot last or how long will they last? How do we conduct business-in person or virtual? The future is still unknown.
Going through the last year, The American Legion and The American Legion Auxiliary found innovative ways to continue the next 100 years of serving our veterans, our communities and our youth. We found new ways to communicate, hold meetings, do take out orders for dinner, and reverse activities to name a few.
Because of COVID we learned to slow down and appreciate life at a slower pace. Even though there is still the unknown about COVID and how it will play out, we are better prepared to conduct business and continue on with our obligations to this wonderful organization, than we were last year. We Can Do It! We will survive and continue our great programs and activities.
My theme this year is Keep Your Hearts on The Tasks At Hand. Sometimes we get so focused on our own agendas, we start to forget why we are in this organization and what is best for the organization as a whole. We will not always agree, but we still need to maintain professionalism and respect for one another. We need to work as a team, everyone has something to contribute and it takes all of us to make The American Legion Auxiliary the best possible organization it can be. It is up to us and how we conduct ourselves to make this organization enjoyable, fun and something we can be proud of--something people want to join and be apart of.
My hopes this year is to build unity and communicate the best way possible so everyone gets the information that is going out. I will be using The Observer, our website, and emails, hopefully this reaches everyone.
I am excited to get started as your President for 2021-2022. I am going to serve you the best possible way I can. If you have any questions feel free to call me. I want to stress that Department is transparent, we have nothing to hide. If you are struggling with something please feel free to ask questions. We are here to serve you.