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Legion Auxiliary commended for work with VA hospital
officers sworn in 1
Gabriele Barnett, president of the Georgia Department of the American Legion Auxiliary, swears in the officers of the Post 209 Auxiliary, president Thelma Pierce, secretary and vice president Linda Kilmer, Robyn Groce as treasurer, Delma Odum as chaplain and Loretta Edwards as sergeant-at-arms. Patti Saxon stood in for historian Joyce Ann Tuten. - photo by Photo by Pat Donahue

It was more than just swearing in new officers for the American Legion Post 209 Auxiliary to celebrate Thursday night.

The ladies of the Legion Auxiliary were commended for their continuing support of the Charlie Norwood Veterans Administration Medical Center gift shop. The post’s auxiliary provided nearly $5,000 worth of gifts for the Augusta hospital’s patients. The patients can go to the gift shop and pick out presents to send to their loved ones at no charge.

“What Post 209 does is amazing,” said Gabriele Barnett, the American Legion Auxiliary Department of Georgia president. “Unit 209 always pulls through and supports the gift shop. This is why the gift shop can continue, because of your hard work.”

“I don’t know what I would do without my 209,” said state Auxiliary second vice president Miriam Stein.

Stein and Barnett told the Post 209 Auxiliary how important taking care of VA patients is, especially as the number grows.

“Our VAs are full,” Stein said.

“The demographics of VA patients are changing,” Barnett said. “They are getting younger. We have a large population of female veterans now. So we have to take care of their needs and their interests.”

Sworn in as president was Thelma Pierce. Installed as secretary and vice-president was Linda Kilmer. Robyn Groce was sworn in as treasurer, Joyce Ann Tuten as historian, Delma Odum as chaplain and Loretta Edwards as sergeant-at-arms.