OSMOND — The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 326 met Monday, Jan. 19, at the Osmond Senior Center with six members present. A prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance were recited. Secretary and Treasurer reports were shared for the Nov. 17, 2025, meeting and holiday dinner held at the Osmond Methodist Church Hall. Luncheon was attended by 15 members who brought gifts for the Vets at the Norfolk Veterans Home. Several carry out dinners were delivered.
The patriotic quilt project in support of the new Legion building (formerly Ashburn Funeral Home) was a success and the winner was selected at the Sons of the American Legion Christmas Wishes event on Dec. 13.
Elementary and high school Americanism essays by Osmond Community and St. Mary’s Schools were to be judged in February. Treasurer Linda Krohn clarified the annual donation to the Wounded Warriors. A thank you to the Vivian Manzer family was given for their generous donation in her memory.
The Monday, Feb. 16, Auxiliary meeting was held at the Osmond Senior Center with seven members in attendance. A prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance were recited.
Bingo at the Norfolk Veterans Home will begin at 2 p.m. on April 10, with volunteers arriving by 1:30 p.m. Discussion followed regarding new guidelines on donated cookies for the event. Diane Borst will check pricing.
Treasurer Linda Krohn has requested an annual reminder from Wounded Warriors for the amount approved last month and gave current balances of the general and poppy funds.
Chairman Michelle Reikofski shared essays from junior girls who are interested in attending American Legion Auxiliary Cornhusker Girls State on May 31 to June 6. Essays were read aloud and everyone voted. A check was issued for the attendance fees. First place and alternate names will be announced after confirmation from the Department.
Vice President Diane Borst read the District 2 President’s letter regarding the upcoming Spring Convention for Legion and Auxiliary members being held Sunday, March 15, at 1 p.m. at Elkhorn Valley Bank, 404 South 25th Street in Norfolk. District 2 Auxiliary By-Laws will be updated. Deceased member names from March 2025 to March 2026 are to be reported to the District Chaplain. Treasurer Linda Krohn will check on per Capita fees to be sent to District Secretary Treasurer.
Discussion was held regarding ways to increase membership and who is eligible. Many are unaware that they can support veterans by being a member of the Legion Auxiliary. Membership eligibility includes male or female spouses, grandmothers, mothers, sisters, direct or adopted female descendants of the American Legion members OR related to a veteran who died in line of duty or after an honorable discharge from the Armed Forces of the United States of America during eligible times of April 6, 1917, to Nov. 11, 1918, or any time after Dec. 7, 1941.
The next meeting will be held March 16 at 7 p.m. at Osmond Senior Center. First- and second-place winners of the Americanism Essay contest will be invited to read their essays before the Auxiliary meeting. Photos will be taken, and cookies and refreshments will be served. Winners’ families and teachers will also be invited. Auxiliary members are asked to bring cookies or bars on a serving tray and arrive earlier than usual. — Reporter
