VFW Post 6073 Auxiliary celebrates 75 years

News

Wednesday, 28 August 2024 13:17

On August 21, 2024, the VFW Post 6073 Auxiliary marked a significant milestone with the celebration of its 75th anniversary.
The evening’s festivities began with the officers of VFW Post 6073 escorting the Auxiliary members to their seats, where they were honored with a meal served by the veterans. This was followed by a special presentation that paid tribute to their unwavering support and their legacy of service to Jackson County for three-quarters of a century.

Established in 1949, the Auxiliary has been a steadfast presence in Scottsboro. Throughout the years, they have become synonymous with the spirit of giving, their actions resonating through the halls of history and into the heart of the community.

Today, the Auxiliary’s contributions continue to shine brightly. The Auxiliary supports veterans and Jackson County in countless ways. From the meticulous care they take in maintaining the post home to the meals they prepare for veterans on-site, their efforts are a labor of love that maintain a welcoming atmosphere for all veterans and community members.

They organize events such as the Fall Fair Exhibit Building, support for Veterans Helping Veterans, and collaborate with the local school system to promote educational programs that foster Americanism.

Each act the Auxiliary members perform is simple yet profound, driven by their deep care and concern for veterans, our community and our nation. The Auxiliary brings a nurturing touch to their work, helping to keep the veteran community whole.

As a woman veteran, sometimes I struggle. After serving and surviving in five foreign wars, the scars of PTSD and TBI are invisible but still deeply felt. The understanding and support of the women of the Auxiliary have been a lifeline, helping me to continue to live out my oath to serve. I have often reflected on the strength of the women in the Auxiliary, admiring their perseverance and loyalty with deep respect.

One such member of the VFW Post 6073 Auxiliary is Chaplain Stephanie Beckner.

Though she was unable to attend the celebration, her absence was profoundly felt. Chaplain Beckner is known for her firm yet gentle compassion and her mission to heal and foster unity. Her kindness and genuine concern have provided me and many veterans with great comfort during times of confusion and uncertainty. I recall one day she unexpectedly appeared at the post while I was struggling with a project. It had been a challenging day, but her presence immediately brought me comfort, and she reassured me with her calmness and genuine concern.

Chaplain Stephanie affords this respect to everyone she meets, and her commitment to servant leadership is exemplified by every heart she helps heal. This kind of support for veterans cannot be quantified.

The 75th anniversary of the VFW Post 6073 Auxiliary is more than a chronicle of time, it is a narrative of lives touched. It is a story of service, of community, and of the unspoken bonds that unite us all.

As we look to the future, we carry with us the lessons of the past, the hope of the present, and the promise of continued service. Here’s to the Auxiliary, to the veterans, and to the next chapter in the remarkable story of VFW Post 6073. The VFW Post 6073 Auxiliary is open to relatives of individuals who have served in overseas combat. Eligible members include spouses, widows, widowers, fathers, mothers, grandfathers, grandmothers, sons, daughters, grandsons, granddaughters, brothers, and sisters of persons who are or were eligible for membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. Learn more at vfwpost6073.org.

by Gayla Sue Mendes
VFW Post 6073
Public Affairs Officer