[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 6]
[Senate]
[Page 7767]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




          RECOGNIZING UNIT 70 OF THE AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY

 Mr. TESTER. Mr. President, today I recognize American Legion 
Auxiliary Unit 70 out of Judith Gap, MT. Judith Gap is a small town in 
central Montana with less than 200 residents, but they have a vibrant 
community where the American Legion plays a key role. The legion 
supports a whole host of activities, from supporting veterans 
throughout Montana to throwing local poppy-themed dinners. They provide 
a great deal for the area, and I ask unanimous consent that the full 
activities record of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 70 of Judith Gap, 
MT, be printed in the Record.
  There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in 
the Record, as follows:

      Activity Report of the Judith Gap American Legion Auxiliary

       I would like you to become acquainted with the American 
     Legion Auxiliary, Unit No. 70 of Judith Cap. It is located 
     between what is called the Gap between the little Belt 
     Mountains, and the Big Snowy Mountains. It is referred to as 
     the ``Gap'' and is close to the center of Montana. The 
     ``Gap'' is well known for the terrific winds and snows that 
     close the road from all directions. The ``wind farm'' on the 
     prairie a few miles south of town attests to the presence of 
     wind.
       It is also known for the many activities of the American 
     Legion Auxiliary. I encourage you to visit our town. We have 
     a school, two churches, grocery store, gas station, cafe, 
     post office, American Legion Hall, fire station, and two 
     bars. We are not BIG like New York City, but we too, are on 
     the map.
       Our members are proud to be a part of the largest patriotic 
     organization in the world. We are a ``goal'' unit, and have 
     kept this rating for many years. We really believe in 
     encouraging our eligible girls to join as junior members. 
     Without our youth becoming involved, any organization will 
     die. Like so many worthwhile things, it takes time and 
     effort. We are proud that a member's son only four years old 
     can recite the Pledge of Allegiance and can sing America The 
     Beautiful. Our youth present Old Glory at basketball games 
     and sing the Star Spangled Banner.
       I will relate to you a ``bird's eye'' view of what we do:
       Surely everyone has seen the red crepe-paper poppies that 
     are made by our veterans. The little red poppies are 
     distributed in May. The money contributed goes to help our 
     veterans. School students enter the poppy poster contest to 
     remember and honor our veterans. Awards are given to the 
     winners. School students write Americanism essays. Awards are 
     given to the winners. We contribute to our Mt. V.A. hospitals 
     and V.A. facilities at Ft. Harrison, Glendive, Miles City, 
     Columbia Falls, and to the V.A. Clinics in Montana.
       We have parties for the Legion's birthday, the Americanism 
     Program, the Mental Health Center, We gave gifts to our WWII 
     lady veteran, and to our ``adopted veteran''.
       We donated to Freedoms Foundation, Spirit of Youth, 
     Children's Miracle Network, Oloha Scholarship, Girls State, 
     Child Welfare, Community Service, emergency fund, Chapel of 
     four Chaplains, and the U.S.O.
       We send Christmas cards, easter cards, phone cards, care 
     packages, and neck coolers to our troops. We collect and send 
     coupons to the receiving centers for the use of Veterans 
     families.
       We write letters to our Congressmen to ask them to support 
     bills for veterans benefits, and to prevent flag desecration.
       The many activities and programs that we accomplish means 
     we have to make money (oh no. we do not counterfeit) we have 
     a ``fund raiser''. Our main fund raiser is the Memorial Day 
     Dinner. While the legionnaires are performing their ceremony 
     at the cemetery (yes, the wind is blowing and they are 
     holding on to the big American Flag with all of their might) 
     we ladies are getting the dinner ready. The poppy posters 
     made by our students, decorate the hall, poppy centerpieces 
     are on the table, and a basketfull of poppies is in place to 
     receive contributions and to wear a poppy. All has gone well.
       We are thankful for all the help we get to finance our 
     programs. The local radio station announces the Memorial Day 
     Dinner--free! The local newspapers publish our meetings and 
     the pictures of Girls State delegates and alternates--free! 
     We have much to be thankful for and are thankful for much.
       There is no better feeling, than the feeling we have when 
     we have accomplished the task we set out to do. Through our 
     activities, we have shown we honor and respect our veterans. 
     We shall always remember their sacrifices that have enabled 
     us to live in a free nation, where we are able to express our 
     belief in God, and love of our Country, The United States of 
     America. God bless America.
       Dated: April 14, 2008. Respectfully submitted to the office 
     of the Honorable Jon Tester, Senator, United States Senate, 
     Washington, D.C. 20510-2602, for publication in the 
     Congressional Record, From: Avis M. Perry, Unit #70, Judith 
     Gap Legislative Chr., American Legion Auxiliary, Department 
     of Montana, 12 Perry Ranch Ln, Judith Gap, Mt. 59453-
     81130.

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