[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 66 (Friday, May 13, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E892]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            A TRIBUTE TO AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY UNIT 278

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                            HON. TOM LATHAM

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 13, 2011

  Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the American 
Legion Auxiliary Unit 278 of Osage, Iowa. The Unit has created a 
program entitled ``Merit Awards'' in which the unit awards the amount 
of $300 to each successful applicant graduating with the senior class 
of Osage Community School District. Unit 278 is devoted to assisting 
students in their pursuit of higher education and I am honored to 
submit for the record the following commentary on the program in Osage.
  ``American Legion Auxiliary Unit 278 and the Merit Award Program:
  The Osage American Legion Auxiliary Unit 278 is very much attuned to 
the importance of education and financial needs of students in 
attending post high school institutions of learning. Our unit had 
developed a process called ``Merit Awards'' whereby we raise monies to 
be used for the student applicants in furthering their education.
  Each year we hold an event (Merit Award luncheon and bake sale) for 
the community. Proceeds from the event are used entirely for Merit 
Awards. All food for the event is donated by members and prepared at 
the site. In addition, members are asked to either donate items for the 
bake sale or contribute $5.00 in lieu of a baked donation. Our unit 
boasts 378 members, 35 of whom are Junior members. One of the 
highlights of this event is a drawing for an American flag and flag 
pole which is installed by the Legion free of charge to the winner.
  Each year applications are made available to the Osage School 
district for graduating seniors. Our unit has a committee to review 
applications and determine the successful applicants. This year we had 
10 applicants with a Merit Award in the amount for $300. Two of those 
awards will be made by contributions from two families, one honoring 
one of our auxiliary members and the other in memory of one of our 
deceased members.
  Presentation of these Merit Awards is made by a member of our unit at 
the Osage High School Award Assembly in May. Unit 278 takes great pride 
in our efforts to communicate to students the importance of education 
and throughout the year we participate in activities involved in 
education.''
  Mr. Speaker, as you can see the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 278 is 
a great example of the commitment of patriotic Americans to their 
community. I am honored to represent them and all of Osage in the U.S. 
Congress. I know all my colleagues will join me in congratulating them 
for a job well done.

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