American Legion Auxiliary Unit 280 meets

American Legion Auxiliary Unit 280 held their monthly meeting July 8, 2013. President Freda Broadway called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. Kelly Bullock opened the meeting with a word of prayer due to Chaplin Judy Crane being ill. A moment of silence was observed in honor of our departed. The Pledge of Allegiance , and the American Legion Auxiliary Preamble was recited by all.

Roll Call of Officers. Six officers present, one absent, 19 members present, and one guest. Secretary Debbie Jones read the minutes from the previous meeting. Minutes were accepted as read, Treasurer Norma Shockley gave the treasurer report. Report was accepted as read subject to audit. Senior Vice President Kelly Bullock reported on the  Division Conference held at Teutopolis Il. Norma Shockley will serve as 25th District Chaplin for 2014. Kelley Bullock will serve as 25th District Community Service Chairman. Congratulations Ladies Unit 280 will be well represented 25th District.  Membership Chairman Norma reported 106 members, 96 paid members, and two new members. We would like to welcome Julie Hammond as a new member and Sydney Hammond as a new Junior member, Sydney is also a BCHS Cheerleader. Veterans Affairs Rehabilitation  Chairman

Shalyn Settlemoir assisted by Jayna K Hart reported visiting our Veterans for the Fourth of July. They visited with Navy Veteran Percy Atkinson W.W. II Pearl Harbor gunner . Ironically he was also born on the 4th of July. Our veterans were presented with a flag for their appreciation. Chairman Settlemoir reported several projects are in the works. Cook Book Chairman Debbie Jones reported the cook books are being published and are due to arrive in August. She reported we are taking Pre-Orders, and have gift Certificates available. We collected 350 recipes. This is going to be an awesome cool book. A motion was made to send President Broadway and Treasurer Shockley to the 93rd American Legion Department State Convention which will be held in Springfield Il on July 9th thru July 13th,

We would like to thank Auxiliary members, BCHS Cheerleaders and BCHS Football Players for donating their time to help display the flags for the Fourth of July around the Franklin County Court House and each main street in Benton. We really appreciate the involvement of our youth who are always willing to help. We would also like to thank the parents as well for their support

Our auxiliary members will be at the National Guard Armory Picnic to be held at the West Frankfort Park on July 21. We will be helping Sarah Williams serve lunch to our National Guard servicemen and their families.

President Broadway will be doing a field service course and refresher course in the near future. The date has not been determined at this time.

At 10 a.m. July 27th Unit 280 will be hosting a fund raiser for Eco Edmonds daughter. We will have several activities including a cake and pie auction.  Members are asked to donate for the auction. We will be serving sloppy Joe’s Potato salad and chip will be available.

With this being our last meeting for the fiscal year we look forward to 2014. Our new year begins on August 12. 2013 at 7 p.m. We are expecting great things to happen this coming year. We have a great group of ladies who are kind, compassionate, and ready to serve our veterans and our community in a time of need. President Broadway presented each member a token of appreciation for a wonderful year. If you are interested in being part of a wonderful and fulfilling cause please feel free to join us the second Tuesday of each month. Our next meeting will be held on August 13, 2013 at 7 p.m. We cordially invite any one interested fell free to join us.

With no further business to discuss President Broadway adjourned the meeting. Kelly Bullock closed the meeting with a word of prayer. In Memory of American Legion Auxiliary member Eco Edmonds who passed away June 28,2013 President Broadway led members in draping of the Charter. Social hour was enjoyed by all. Jayna K Hart won the attendance prize.

For God and Country we associate ourselves together for Justice, Freedom and Democracy. Please Thank a Veteran.