[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 12 (Wednesday, February 9, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: February 9, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
             TRIBUTE TO AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY UNIT 287

                                 ______


                            HON. PAT DANNER

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 9, 1994

  Ms. DANNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to have read into the 
Congressional Record the accomplishments of the American Legion 
Auxiliary Unit 287, located in Savannah, MO. As the Representative of 
the Sixth District of Missouri, I am proud of the achievement of this 
organization.
  Since their beginning in 1921 the American Legion has worked 
tirelessly not only for veterans but volunteering in many areas of the 
community. This organization has given both time and monetary support 
to the Girl Scouts, Child and Adult Welfare, the annual County 
Government Day, and local 4-H activities. While the American Legion 
provides outstanding service in these areas, its most important ongoing 
community effort has been in their hospital equipment loan program.
  What follows is a letter from the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 287 
that illustrates their dedication to public service.

       In nineteen hundred forty-six our Auxiliary, Dick Munkres 
     Unit 287, determined that a hospital equipment loan service 
     would be a valuable Community Service.
       With the help of Cappers Weekly drives, we were able to 
     obtain some of our early equipment. The project was first 
     located in the basement of the courthouse. This was a 
     convenient location for all at the time. After a period of 
     years, it was decided that it needed to be located where it 
     could be more personally administered.
       About 1954 it was moved to the basement of one of the 
     members homes. It continued there until about 1961 when it 
     was moved to the back room of a local Abstract Company.
       The service had grown to such proportion that another move 
     was necessary. In the early 1970's the equipment was moved to 
     an empty barber shop near the town square. By this time we 
     had accumulated much equipment that was faithfully loaned by 
     Auxiliary equipment chairmen.
       In about 1980 a permanent home for the equipment was built 
     on the Legion grounds. Year after year this service continues 
     to be a most valuable contribution to the community.
       From a small beginning of only two wheel chairs and 
     crutches, our equipment has grown through the years to 
     include beds, walkers, many wheel chairs, crutches, tables, 
     canes, commodes, geriatric chairs, stool extenders, bathroom 
     equipment, and much miscellaneous equipment. The equipment 
     has been added to through the years by Auxiliary purchases, 
     donation of funds and equipment by individuals as well as 
     early Cappers Publication sales.
       Today our equipment is valued at thousands of dollars. 
     There are approximately 100 items that are loaned each year. 
     Some are used for an extended time. There is no charge for 
     the use of the items to Andrew County residents.
       We have a chairman that gives many hours of her time each 
     year to this project. The schools, doctors, Health 
     Department, and citizens know that we provide this service 
     and contact us when there is need.

  Again, thank you for recognizing the accomplishments of the American 
Legion Auxiliary Unit 287.

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