[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 77 (Wednesday, May 10, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E984]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


   A TRIBUTE TO BETTY McLAUGHLIN, PRESIDENT, DISTRICT 29 VETERANS OF 
                     FOREIGN WARS LADIES AUXILIARY

                                 ______


                         HON. WILLIAM J. COYNE

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 10, 1995
  Mr. COYNE. Mr. Speaker, I want to join today in offering a tribute to 
Betty McLaughlin, district 29 president for the Veterans of Foreign 
Wars Ladies Auxiliary. Betty McLaughlin will be honored on May 12, 
1995, by the members of district 29 of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary.
  It is fitting that the Members of the U.S. House of Representatives 
should have this opportunity to reflect on the patriotic civic 
commitment of a woman like Betty McLaughlin. Since joining the ladies 
auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars in 1970, Betty McLaughlin has 
given countless hours of her time in support of VFW activities that 
celebrate American values of family, community, and country.
  Betty McLaughlin originally joined the VFW Ladies Auxiliary on the 
eligibility of her husband, Bob McLaughlin, who served with the 1st 
Calvary Division, 7th Calvary Regiment of the U.S. Army during World 
War II. They married in 1952 and currently reside in West View, PA. She 
and her husband have four children, Robert Jr., Linda, Robin, and Sean. 
They are also the proud grandparents of six grandchildren.
  Betty McLaughlin has served in a number of leadership posts over the 
years since first joining the VFW's Ladies Auxiliary. She was elected 
president of the West View Auxiliary in 1973 when her husband Bob 
served as commander. They were the first husband and wife team to serve 
together as president and commander at the West View Post. During her 
first term as president of the West View Post, Betty McLaughlin was 
honored for her success at recruiting new members. She has been 
chairman of several committees, including Americanism and Loyalty Day 
Safety, Community Activities, and Cancer. She is currently serving as 
committee chairman for Cancer, and Americanism and Loyalty Day as well 
as trustee.
  Betty McLaughlin's first appointment on the Allegheny County Council 
level was as a color bearer. After serving on many committees at the 
county council level, she was elected to the office of president of the 
Allegheny Council Ladies Auxiliary in June 1982. Betty McLaughlin was 
appointed department of Pennsylvania chief of staff by department 
president-elect Jean Gasior in 1990 and has held several State 
chairmanships, such as 1991 chairman of the Pennsylvania Western Area 
Chairman for National Home, the 1992 department of Pennsylvania 
chairman for Political Action Committee, and the 1993 Department of 
Pennsylvania western area chairman for Americanism and Loyalty Day.
  While deeply involved with the VFW Ladies Auxiliary, Betty McLaughlin 
has also been active in her community and has given her time and energy 
to programs sponsored by local groups, churches, and schools. She has 
served as den mother, Brownie, and Girl Scout Mother. She is currently 
serving as advisor to the West View Junior Girls Unit. She has also 
served the last 6 years on the election board in her local community.
  Mr. Speaker, in 1994, Betty McLaughlin attained the office of 
district 29 president of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Ladies Auxiliary. 
She has brought to this position the same dedication and spirit that 
she has demonstrated in so many positions since joining the VFW Ladies 
Auxiliary in 1970. I am proud to represent Betty McLaughlin as a 
constituent of the 14th Congressional District of Pennsylvania and I 
want to wish her and her family the very best. It is a distinct 
pleasure to join with the comrades and sisters of the West View 
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2754 and its auxiliary and junior girls 
in saluting Betty McLaughlin.


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