The Herald-Courier

VA vets get presents from Attica Auxiliary


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At the VAMC, ready to deliver the holiday goodies are, in front: Attica Auxiliary members Kate Kelner, poppy chairman; Tammy Soemann, president; and Barb Eddy, secretary. In back are: Kathleen Roberts, Auxiliary sgt-at-arms; Mike Almeter, Sons of the Legion; Ralph Eddy, Legionnaire; Bob Woods, Legion commander; and Keith Almeter, AVMA president.

American Legion Auxiliary Unit 734 of Attica has been busy making a merrier Christmas for veterans at the Veterans Administration Medical Center (VAMC) in Batavia. A visit from Nick LaMarca, an Army veteran who is Volunteer Service Director at the VA, got the ball rolling.

LaMarca spoke about veterans’ needs and events at the Auxiliary’s October meeting. The following month, the group voted to hold a “Sweats for the Vets” campaign that would provide all 76 veterans at the VAMC with new zippered, hooded  sweatshirts — something high on their list of needs — just in time for the holiday.

Auxiliary Secretary Barb Eddy wrote letters to the Attica Legion, its Sons of the Legion Squadron, and the Attica Veterans Memorial Association, urging them to become  part of this effort. All three groups gave generously and the sweatshirts were ordered  from Mugs and More in Attica.

LaMarca also said the VAMC could use a new 55-inch television for the veterans’ rec  room. The Auxiliary chose to use donations received after the passing of past President Leilani Spring to answer that need. On Tuesday, Dec. 8, representatives from each of the groups met at the VAMC to deliver the items so the veterans could receive them Christmas morning.

All through 2020, Auxiliary Unit 734 has been working for the betterment of veterans  and the local community. In March, 1st Vice Ami Blackmore organized a scratch-off lottery tree raffle and Taco Tuesday to raise money to help a Perry veteran put a much-needed roof on his home. In December proceeds from a Tree of Cheer were dedicated to the Women’s PTSD Clinic at the VAMC, and all through the year they helped the Legion Post 734 groups with events.

The American Legion Auxiliary is always looking for new members and new ideas for ways to serve. If you’re interested in joining this community-minded non-profit group,  contact Secretary/Membership Chairman Barb Eddy at 585-591-1435, or President Tammy Soemann at 585-297-4302.

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