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How the VFW Auxiliary all began
07-18-09
Maisie Rodenbaugh / VFW Asst Editor
VFW Post 6272 Auxiliary Secretary
Women have always lent a helping hand during war time. They’ve always been the caregivers for the sick and injured soldiers. There were veterans groups that were formed as early as 1870 and continued until 1900. In 1914 the Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States was organized. The first convention or encampment as it was called was held in Pittsburgh, Pa. When WWI broke out overseas, a group of auxiliary members adopted temporary bylaws and the per capita tax was 15 cents per member. There were 47 members and they had a sum of $6.75 in the treasury. Growing in membership was the main concern from 1915 to 1917. One part of their interest was patriotism and they campaigned for the approval of the proclamation to make “The Star Spangled Banner” our national anthem. The President was Woodrow Wilson and Margaret Armstrong from Pennsylvania was the first VFW Ladies Auxiliary National President. By 1918, a million women were employed in factories and aiding the war effort but they were expected to give up their jobs when the veterans returned from duty. How things have changed.
So this is how the auxiliaries grew to be what they are today; a lot of diligence, countless membership drives and great dedication from a lot of hard working women. * In 1920, after 81 years of struggle, American women won the right to vote with passage of the 19th amendment. The same year, the Auxiliary expanded its eligibility to include not only wives, but mothers, sisters and daughters of veterans of Foreign Service, as well as army nurses who had seen Foreign Service. The Auxiliary really began a growing process. The first uniform was white, patterned after those of army nurses. A constant stream of patriotic projects occupied the members of the Auxiliary during this time. In 1924 in Eaton Rapids, MI a 472 acre stock farm was purchased by the VFW as a site for the proposed National Home, a care facility for needy children. This facility has grown to house over a hundred children at a time. Our membership has grown continuously through the years and we are still doing the same work for our veterans. The programs have increased which enables us to include youth activities, and give out many scholarships and awards.
We have had 2 women from Missouri who have served as National President. Mabel Tanner in 1940-1941 belonged to an auxiliary in Jefferson City, and Glenneta Vogelsang in 1984-1985 still belongs to Auxiliary 3838 in Cape Girardeau. The VFW Ladies Auxiliary of Missouri even offers a scholarship for high school seniors, who are the child or grandchild of Department of Missouri VFW Ladies Auxiliary members, which is in honor of these two ladies. It is called the Missouri Past National President’s Scholarship. * Copyright VFW Ladies Auxiliary National Magazine
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