News and Updates >
American Legion Auxiliary
Department of Mississippi
2007-08 NATIONAL APPOINTMENTS

We understand that PDP Kathy Dungan of Wesson has been appointed National Poppy
Chairman for 2007-2008!  Many congrats to Kathy!

Also, Dept. President Shirley Turner has been appointed to serve as Southern Division Poppy
Chairman.

We know they will do us proud!
Another National Committee Appointment, Feb. 2008

The Southern Division Community Service chairman has resigned her post and our own Janice
Crosby of Unit 112 in Jackson has been appointed to serve out her year.  Three cheers for
Janice!  She will represent us well.
National Commander Marty
Conaster of Illinois made his
official visit to Mississippi in Feb.,
visiting Post 24 in Hattiesburg,
touring Camp Shelby, and visiting
Posts in Vicksburg and Jackson.
National President Jan Pulvermacher Ryan
(center) made her official visit to Mississippi
just days before Christmas 2007.  She toured
the Gulf Coast and the VA facilities in
Mississippi.  She is photographed here with
Department President Madeline Vuncannon
(left) and Honorary Junior Department
President Marlee Poellnitz (right).
Post Everlasting

The Department of Mississippi have recently lost two outstanding Legionnaires.

Joe Bell, former 8th District Commander passed away on February 28, 2008.  He leaves his
wife, Rachel Bell, a faithful member of the Auxiliary, and other family members.

Leon Boone (Claude L. Boone), long-time Legionnaire, Past Southern Area Vice Commander
and Past Commander of Post 24 in Hattiesburg, passed away at his home January 3, 2008.  
He leaves his wife, Chellie, President of Unit 24, and son Keith Woods.
WAVELAND POST 77 TO REBUILD

Since Katrina destroyed Post 77 in Wavelnd, the Post and Unit has been conducting meetings
from a hut on the old Post sight on Coleman Avenue, with no bathroom facilities.  The Post is
moving from Coleman Ave to 503 Waveland Avenue, just north of the railroad tracks at the old
boat yard, on the corner of Waveland Avenue and Debuc Street.  The new site is five acres.  

In June 2007, the Post and Unit broke ground and began the slab work.  A clear span metal
building (100' X 119' X 14') was on order.  Slab and the metal building "Shell" in slate blue
should be completed by end of August 2007.  Interior work will begin as far as funding allows.  
Pictured below are members of Unit 77 and District 9 President Janet Aime, who participated
in the ground-breaking ceremony.
At right, members of the Distinguished Guest
Committee pose with the National President
when she visited Mississippi.  L to R are PDP
Glenda Wheelis, NP Jan Pulvermacher Ryan,
PDP Kathy Dungan, and PDP Shirley Turner.
TYLERTOWN POST HOME REDEDICATED

Post and Unit 56 in Tylertown have completed a major renovation project of the "Legion Hut,"
first erected in 1954.  The building had fallen in disrepair, but several dedicated members of
the Post have met each Tuesday morning since Feb. 2007 to completely overhaul the exterior
and interior.  Many local businesses and friends of the Legion have donated to the renovation
project, including Builders Mart and Luters Supply.  Two Mississippi Posts, Pascagoula 160
and Gautier-Vancleave 1992, made major contributions of $1,500 each to the project.  All
members of the Post and Unit are sincerely and humbly grateful to all who have contributed
and hopes everyone will come visit the new "Hut."

The first meeting was held in Oct. 2007 and dedicated on Nov. 2007.
Dept. Commander Joe Kersh and
Dept. President Madeline
Vuncannon were on hand for the
dedication of Post 56 on Nov. 10.  
Post Adjutant Stanley Reeves and
Auxiliary member Alisha Reeves
(both are children of E.L. and
Minnie Reeves) led the dedication
and opening portion of the program.
NATIONAL PRESIDENT VISITS MISSISSIPPI
Behind the mask is Unit 160
member Sue McGuire who was
crowned Mardi Gras Queen at the
annual Pascagoula ball in
February.  She had a beautiful
coronation.