The Herbert Griffin American Legion Auxiliary met June 6, 2023 at 6:30 PM with 7 officers and 2 members present. Previous Unit 19 member Wanda McClain, now Unit 170 member, was in attendance as a visitor. Wanda’s husband William is the Commander at Post 170 in Columbia. Also Unit 19 welcomed Kim Phelps Gattis back as she has been away for some time. The Unit was exceeding happy to have Libby Moss back in attendance as she has been absent a long time with her broken hip and leg and her rehab. The meeting was called to order by Unit 19 President Charlotte Connors and the prayer was given by Unit 19 Chaplin Judy Morton. The Pledge of Allegiance and Preamble were recited by all members. We did not sing.

The Program for the month was Girls State, Jr. Activities, Flag Day and Department Convention. There was no program presented.

The Minutes were prepared by Unit 19 Secretary Gail Gilliam and they appear on the Legion website. Judy Morton made the motion to accept the minutes as they appear in the website, Edie Owston seconded Judy’s motion and it carried on the floor. Secretary Gail was not able to print copies for those members that do not own computers as her printer is on the fritz.

The Financial Report was reported by Treasurer Libby Moss. Judy Morton made the motion to accept the minutes, Teresa Lyle seconded Judy’s motion and it carried on the floor. Libby made copies of her report for all the members.

Bills for Presentation: There were no bills for presentation.

Reports:

Americanism: Member Gail Gilliam reported approximately 700 American Flags were place at Rose Hill Cemetery in the configuration of a “Field of Flags” to honor our deceased Veterans. This was achieved by Post 19 and Unit 19. Roger and Gail Gilliam and Roger and Betty Chapman placed 60 flags at Wilkes Cemetery in Culleoka. Calvin Cheek reported to Gail he had placed 115 flags at 6 small cemeteries in his area.

Member Judy Morton reported there would be a Flag Day Ceremony presented at the VFW at 4:00 PM on Flag Day of course, June 14. It will also be a retirement ceremony as well, so if members have unserviceable flags please attend.

Member Kim Gattis shared that she had visited the Middle Tennessee Veterans Cemetery in Pegram, Tn.

Auxiliary Emergency Fund: $17.00 was collected and counted by Beth McAdams.

Cavalcade of Memories: Nothing was reported.

Chaplain: Chaplain Judy Morton had nothing to report.

Children and Youth: Nothing reported.

Community Service: Joanne Ring reported she had presented a Poppy Program Informational at the Rotary Breakfast Club honoring Memorial Day. Jo also reported there was a Flag Folding demonstration.

Joanne will decorate the River Walk in Red, White and Blue and American Flags for Memorial Day Weekend. Way to go Joanne! This year the Annual 4^th of July Celebration hosted by the Rotary Club will be held at Maury County Park.

Members are to bring food for Harvest Share. Gail Gilliam is responsible for delivering the food.

Harvest Share suggested bringing: tuna and tuna helper, pasta and pasta sauces, romaine noodles, rice and dried pinto beans.

Gail Gilliam reported on the programs that Harvest Share services for Columbia:

1) provide 180 back packs a month to elementary schools that are not helped by churches, etc.
2) every 2^nd Thursday from 11:00-12:00 is Senior Day (68+)
3) every 4^th Thursday from 11:30-12:30 is Medical Day ( those with a serious long term illness). There are stipulations for these programs. Please call Donna at 931-446-6100 for assistance.

Constitution and By-Laws: Nothing was reported.

Education: Chairman Teresa Lyles reported she had taken care of “Teacher Appreciation Week” by delivering 3 cookie trays to Culleoka Unit School. Teresa presented Lori Napier of Central High School with a “Teacher of the Year” certificate and $50.00 donated to the school’s Library in her honor by Unit 19. Way to go Teresa!!!

Finance: Nothing reported.

Girls State: The reporting of Girls State was given by President Charlotte at the Leadership report to the Unit.

Gold Star: Nothing reported.

History: Nothing reported.

Junior Activities: Nothing reported.

Leadership: President Charlotte reported the ALA Convention will be held at the Embassy Suites in Murfreesboro June 17-18. Fee for the Awards Luncheon will be $43.00. In attendance will be: Teresa Lyles, Joanne Ring, Libby Moss, Charlotte Connors and Gail Gilliam.

Charlotte reported as well that the Department had added 7 maybe 8 units to the Large Group. Also reported was District 2, 4, 5, and 7 had no District Presidents at this time.

The National Convention will be held in Charlotte, North Carolina, August 26-31.

President Charlotte attended VGS Week at David Lipscomb and reported 466 girls were present for the week. Unit 19 had the most delegates present. Way to go Joanne and Beth!!! They were able to go to the VA Hospital in Nashville but were unable to go to the Capital. Charlotte said it was a great week.

Legislation: Chairman Gail Gilliam had several pieces of AL Legislation to report: 1. June 6, 2023 The Blackburn Report: The Tennessee National Guard giving backup support for Border Patrol. Also, Marsha re introduced the Veterans Health Care Freedom Act, which would boost Veterans access to health care in the free market. 2. Katie Issaacson: The American Legion Legislative Update. June 6, 2023. 3. Legion.org: Legion to testify on Veterans’ education, homeless issues (HVAC) Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity. June 14, 2023. 4. Legion.org: Legislative Agenda for 118 Congress, First Session. 5. June 16, 2023 Legion.org: A financial boost for Veterans, they will receive an increase in benefits payments next year equal to the annual SS Cola increase. 6. Katie Issaacson: The American Legion Weekly Legislative Update June 16, 2023. 7. June 22, 2023 Email response from Representative Andy Ogles re Arlington National Cemetery running out of space. 8. June 23, 2023 Katie Issaacson: The American Legion Weekly Legislative Update.

This information was obtained from: www.legion.org/legislative and copies are attached to these minutes and place in Unit 19 file cabinet under minutes. Also some information is obtained from “The American Legion Magazine”. Emails from Senators and Representatives, etc. were sent directly to Gail Gilliam.

National Security: Nothing reported.

Membership: Nothing was reported.

Past Presidents Parley: Nothing reported.

Poppy: Unit 19 is still searching for a Poppy Queen.

Public Relations: Marsha Robinson is working on the Unit 19 web page. It will be ready soon as she is perfecting her efforts. Thank you so much Marsha for volunteering to do this for our Unit.

Correspondence: There was no correspondence to report.

VA&R: The Quilts of Valor Project falls under the VA&R Program. Teresa Lyle reported that 11 quilts were presented: May 22, 6, at Vet to Vet, May 24,3, at Asgard and on June 12, 2 more QOV will be presented. One of the recipients was WWII Veteran Cecil Whiteside (101 years of age). Wow what an honor you Unit 19 ladies of QOV!!!

Teresa gave a brief informational on QOV for members who were not familiar.

Old Business: Nothing reported.

New Business: Nothing reported.

Large Pot: The large pot was missed by member, Carol Williams, not in attendance. Next month it will be $60.00.

There was no formal installation of Officers.

It was decided by Post 19 that the July meeting will be held on Wednesday 5, 2023.

The Prayer for Peace was given by Unit 19 Chaplain Judy Morton. President Debbie Howell adjourned the meeting. The next meeting will be held July 5, 2023 at 6:30 PM. Dinner will be catered and served at 6:00 PM.

Respectfully Submitted

For God and Country, Gail Gilliam, Unit 19 Secretary.