ìItís not important who we are, but itís important what we do for others.îThose are the words of Bettina Kossow, president of the American Legion Post 2008 Auxiliary. Kossow has had a passion for giving back to her community, veterans and their families long before she became president of the group 18 months ago.ìWe work in the spirit of service, not self. Weíre serving veterans, their families, their children and the communities they live in,î Kossow said.A national nonprofit organization, the American Legion Auxiliary for women is a separate entity designed to support the American Legion. Almost 800,000 wives, mothers, daughters, sisters, grandmothers and granddaughters of veterans are members of the organization nationwide.Eleven women founded the local Post 2008 Auxiliary group, and today there are more than 30 members. ìWe always talk about the American Legion family. Family means you work together and support each other,î said Kossow, whose husband, Chip, is a retired veteran and a Post 2008 commander.Comprised of four separate entities, the American Legion family includes the American Legion Post 2008, Sons of the American Legion, American Legion Post 2008 Riders and the American Legion Auxiliary.ìThere are couples who join, and families,î Kossow said. Her daughter is a member of the auxiliary, her 9-month-old granddaughter is a junior ìtiny totî auxiliary member and her son-in-law is a member of the Sons of the American Legion.The auxiliary gives back to the community through a variety of events.An August luncheon recognized the Post 2008 Auxiliary for their contributions to Bonaventure Senior Living in Colorado Springs. The auxiliary hosts monthly breakfasts and poker nights at the senior living center, which provide social opportunities for the senior residents.ìIn this case, we donate our time with the residents,î Kossow said. ìWe talk with them and show our appreciation for them. They need that connection,î said Kossow.Chyanne Foresman, activities director at Bonaventure, said all the residents want is ìto sit and chat ó thatís what makes all the difference.îThe auxiliary also works with local youth. With its junior program, young women ages 18 and under are invited to join the group to learn leadership and other skills. They learn how to run meetings, take minutes and manage events, Kossow said.The auxiliary sponsors three local high schools: Falcon, Sand Creek and Vista Ridge high schools.When the Falcon High School football team approached Post 2008 to help raise funds to purchase military jerseys for the teamís Military Appreciation Night, the auxiliary, Post 2008 and American Legion Post 2008 Riders purchased the jerseys for the team.The auxiliary by itself sponsors up to four young women each year who attend Girls State in Washington, D.C. Girls Stateí week-long program for high school juniors teaches government, elections and laws. This year, the auxiliary sent one student from Falcon High School and three from Sand Creek High School.ìIn the future, I definitely see us doing more with kids,î Kossow said. ìWeíre all moms, so itís in our blood; and also, theyíre our future.îThe group supported the American Legion Post 2008 Ridersí Stock the Pantry Poker Run ó100 percent of the proceeds benefitted High Plains Helping Hands Food Pantry.According to the American Legion Auxiliary website, auxiliary members give more than $3 million in scholarships, volunteer more than 100,000 hours and grant about $300,000 annually to help fellow auxiliary members in need.ìThis is work, but itís so much fun,î Kossow said. ìOur Post is still growing and learning, but this is how we say thank you to veterans, their families, their children and our community.îFor more information on American Legion Auxiliary, visit http://ALAforVeterans.org.
