American Legion Auxiliary National President Janet Jefford at Plainview American Legion for dinner Monday

Story by Cheryl Nymann, Editor
Photos by Kelly Bittner
It was a night to remember for
many local / area Auxiliary members
and Legionnaires. It’s not very
often that the leader of a national
organization comes to town. This
past Monday night, the Plainview
American Legion Auxiliary
Unit #179 and Post #179 were
honored to host American Legion
Auxiliary National President
Janet Jefford of Connecticut.
Traveling with Jefford were
Minnesota Department
President Chris Ronning and her
husband Marland, Department
Membership Chairman Judy
Ackerman, and National
Executive Committee member
Shirley Frederick.
Up until three years ago, the
National Auxiliary President only
came to the annual conferences.
Now, she visits several different
towns and takes tours at various
locations around Minnesota.
Plainview was her fi rst stop as
she began her tour of the southern
part of the state. On Tuesday, she
traveled to New Ulm for a noon
lunch and then on to Faribault for
dinner. On Wednesday she would
tour the Minneapolis VA/Brain
Science Center, Fisher House,
and Minneapolis Veterans Home.
The evening would culminate in
Osseo for dinner at their Post.
Prior to leaving on Thursday,
she would visit the Armed
Forces Center at the Minneapolis
Airport.
The entourage of distinguished
guests to Plainview arrived
before the Social Hour at the
Plainview Legion. They were
found chatting with various outof-
town guests as they arrived.
Plainview Auxiliary members
and Post Commander Adam
Welke and Adjutant Bill Goede
represented the Legion at the
dinner. After everyone was
seated for dinner, the amazingly
delicious pork chops for the
dinner were prepared by Scott
Hanson and Dan Bremer, while
the Plainview Auxiliary Unit
#179 members prepared and potatoes, almond slivered green beans, salads, and dessert. Auxiliary members helping with the event were Rita Klassen, Tara Goede, Maggie Craig, Marie Goede and Rosie Peterson.
After dinner was complete, a recognition of special guests were introduced by emcee of the evening Judy Ackerman. There was also a recognition of past and current National and Department officers, as well as District officers.
Plainview Post #179 Commander Adam Welke gave a warm welcome to Janet and on behalf of the Plainview Post, presented her with a check for her Veterans Project Fund.
Unit #179 President Cheryl Nymann told President Janet that it was an honor to have her attend dinner in Plainview.
After Judy teased Bill with not knowing how to introduce him, she asked for the Honorable Mayor Bill Goede to approach the podium. Goede presented the National President with a picture of Maya Moore. An avid basketball fan, Janet appreciated the gift from Bill Goede.
Department Vice Commander Glenn Mueller from St. Charles also brought greetings to Plainview and the state of Minnesota from State Commander Peggy Moon.
Department President Chris Ronning didn’t speak too long, but had her way with the audience as she managed to get quite a few chuckles from them with her storytelling.
Not to be outdone by Chris’ storytelling, Janet recalled one of her own true stories that brought roars of laughter from the captive audience. She also spoke about her travels along the way during her journey as the National Auxiliary President. Traveling abroad to North Korea, Taiwan, Okinawa, and culminating in Hawaii; she was touched by many memories that were recalled. She also spoke of her Veterans Project Fund. When speaking to veterans and active duty service men and women throughout the world, there were a couple of pretty clear messages: the first, was that they all recognize and appreciate the services which the American Legion Auxiliary provides to them and their families; and second, that they could really use the acknowledgment that people are grateful for what they are doing. (In other words, they love getting care packages, letters, and cards). She also discussed the fact that the age of Auxiliary members is getting older and older, hence the push for retaining, and recruiting new members to the Auxiliary.
President Janet then moved on to discussing her theme for the year: Faith in the programs and leaders of the American Legion and Auxiliary will foster a culture of good will; with Family, the possibilities are endless when the Legion and Auxiliary work together and partner with other organizations - letting them know who we are, what we do, and why we do it; and lastly, we must always share the Love for our veterans and keep the spirit of patriotism alive and well.
After President Janet received a standing ovation, Marland Ronning shared greetings from National Commander Michael D. Helm. After the flag was retired, the special evening was complete, forever making history in Plainview.