Programs
Below are some of the numerous programs of the American Legion Auxiliary Department of North Carolina
If you would like additional information about any of the programs please contact the Department Program Chairman (listed below)
Americanism
Department Chair
Mary Thorsten
American patriotism is a fundamental value of the American Legion Auxiliary. Americanism programs teach respect for our country and our nation’s flag. Patriotism is learned by seeing it in action. Patriotism is rooted in our character by practicing it throughout our lives. The Auxiliary creates opportunities that all Americans can do to show our respect and set positive examples of living as grateful, patriotic citizens.
Auxiliary
Emergency Fund
The Auxiliary Emergency Fund (AEF) is a national grant assistance program that provides temporary emergency help to eligible members of the American Legion Auxiliary who have suffered a significant financial setback as the result of an act of nature or other personal crisis.
Department Chair
JoAnn Stevens
Children & Youth
To work collaboratively with The American Legion to direct and sponsor programs and services that provide care and protection for our nation’s children, especially those of our military and veterans.
Department Chair
Dolly Fisher
Community
Service
To strengthen our local communities with uniquely identified opportunities of service by providing volunteer leadership, encouraging the stewardship of its patriotic citizens, acknowledging our country’s military history, and supporting the families that have sacrificed for our freedom.
Department Chair
Karen Butler
Education
Department Chair
Tammy Snider
To promote quality education for children and adults through classroom activities, literacy programs, scholarship promotion, and support of education beyond high school, especially for military children.
Junior Activities
Engaging the next generation to become members in The American Legion Auxiliary by encouraging young women to lead the way in continuing its legacy of volunteerism and serving veterans, the military and their families, is the primary purpose of the program. The Junior Auxiliary prepares girls to become active adult members of the organization by providing positive volunteer experiences that instill the ideals of the Auxiliary. These girls develop leadership skills while having fun and will hopefully become the future leaders of our organization.
Department Chair
Katie Pfeil
The American Legion Auxiliary supports the legislative priorities adopted by The American Legion. The American Legion’s Legislative Division in Washington, D.C., keeps abreast of current legislation related to veterans’ benefits, national security, and children and youth
Legislative
Department Chair
Barbara Gaskins
National Security
Auxiliary members step up and reach out to help military families during deployments in very practical ways. Auxiliary members also assist our communities in times of natural and manmade disasters through Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) courses.
Department Chair
Michelle Potuzak
Poppy
To elevate community awareness and respect for our veterans by educating our membership and the public about the poppy's significance and the financial benefit realized by our nation's veterans as a result of its distribution.
Department Chair
Gladys Hawley
President's
Project
"Veteran Suicide Awareness" - The goal is to raise $25,000.00 by June 30, 2024, to be distributed between the four VA Hospitals in North Carolina, designated specifically to the "Mental Health Ward."
Department Chair
Sheila Swift
Tar Heel
Girls State
American Legion Auxiliary Tar Heel Girls State is a week long workshop in the legislative process sponsored by the North Carolina American Legion Auxiliary. North Carolina's program is the longest continuously-running Girls State program in the United States. For a week in June, approximately 250 of North Carolina's most promising rising high school senior girls from every part of the state come together to learn about and participate in various parts of government.
Department Chair
Dr Emily Cayton
Veteran Affairs & Rehabilitation
To initiate, sponsor, and participate in programs and services that assist and enhance the lives of veterans and their families, ensuring restoration and/or transition to normally functioning lives physically, mentally, socially, and vocationally.