Cindy Arthur, one of the newest auxiliary jumped in with both feet to help us help our local veterans. The following four reasons as told by Cindy for her joining Curtis A Smith VFW Post 1033 Auxiliary.
1. The events of 9/11 drove home patriotism for me. I was in a classroom wondering what was going to unfold and how it would affect the children in my room.
2. Patriot Pen – Jean Wade got me involved in the Patriot Pen essay contest. We worked together for over 15 years and submitted numerous winning essays. It was very successful. Sometimes the students placed 1st, 2nd , 3rd and even won at district level.
3. Middle School Teacher of the Year – Post 1033 chose me as educator of the year and I was chosen as district educator of the year and finally chosen as state teacher of the year. I was very humbled and honored to be recognized by the veterans.
4. Why join? I have formed valuable friendships over the fears with the veterans the Auxiliary; therefore, I wanted to be more involved and give back to our community. Post 1033 is a very special and dedicated group, and I am proud to help out in any way I can support the Post.
Cindy is a teacher at Jeter-Watson Elementary School and is also Vice President of the Alleghany Historical Society.
There are three members who all joined on November 16, 1972: Patricia Walker, Joanne Paxton and Joyce Armentrout. Midge Akers and Carolyn Waugh joined November 18. 1982.
The oldest member of the auxiliary is Mildred “Midge” Akers. Akers joined the auxiliary in 1982 and has been an active member on both the local level and district and state levels. Her most notable office was her many years as secretary and conductress. On the local level Midge also served as guard, conductress, Junior Vice President, Senior Vice President and President. Midge also served as District 6 President and as Department of Virginia program chairman (she won an award in 2012 for chairing the Americanism program).
Mildred said the following about being a member: “I joined the Ladies Auxiliary because my husband was a member of the VFW. I enjoyed the fellowshp. One of my first chairs was guard (I enjoyed the floor work). I moved up through all the chairs and held every office except chaplain. I then went on to holding District offices and became President. I have been a member for 40+ years and have recceived many awards. I became a life member and at 92 years of age, I will attend meetings”. Mildred is a great mentor for new and old members alike. She was honored by her peers in 2021 for her many contributions. Carolyn Waugh, another long-time active member, was inducted same day as Mildred.
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