Ladies Auxiliary
About the Ladies Auxiliary
The VBOB meetings are attended by the ladies as well as the men, and at the conclusion of the joint meeting, the ladies adjourn to have their own meeting. Both meetings are in the same building (Affton Elks Lodge #2635 at 6330 Heege Rd) on the same day, so it makes for a nice afternoon. The ladies have created an atmosphere of togetherness and friendship. We have taken over the chore of the sign-In and registration at the front table and handle the 50/50 drawing for those who wish to participate.
Dues for the VBOB Ladies Auxiliary are $6.00/year or $30.00 lifetime. The treasury is supported by dues collected and our half of the 50/50 drawing.
Note from President, Gaynell Bronenkamp
What an exciting way to end the year 2008! Starting with our picnic in September, we have been busy, busy, busy. The book launch and signing on October 4 was a big success and once again our ladies proved to be up to the task. We were asked to provide the sheet cakes and cookies for the event. As usual, Helen Keilholz, ordered and delivered the cakes. Thanks, Helen. Our ladies provided such an elaborate array of cookies. Those that were left were brought to the October meeting. We even had ladies who were unable to attend send cookies. Once again, ladies, you came through Big Time. Ladies what a treasure you are. THANK YOU!
While I'm on the subject of the book signing, I'd like to make a personal comment. Ed and I are so blessed. We had four generations of our family together to share the day. Our granddaughter found it hard to believe that women did not wear jeans or slacks in public until World War II. Our great grandsons were especially fascinated by the equipment and uniform of the enactor. He took so much time with them. They told me they even got to hold a hand grenade. A great day.
We were sorry to hear that our chaplain, Glenn Hillgartner, has resigned and we thank him for his many years of service and dedication. We also wish to thank Gene Ganz for taking on this responsibility. May God walk beside you both and bless you and yours.
Our October meeting was brief, since we were so short on time, but it was very productive. We were able to vote on our Christmas contributions and also approved all expenses to date. We received a request from Amy Shelton, Partners in Education School/Community Facillitator at Lafayette High School, for a couple of students to interview by phone, ladies who worked in the defense industry during WW II. Did you know that one of our ladies worked as a riveter? See page 309 in "Victory Through Valor".
We had a sheet cake left from the book signing. This was frozen and then served along with the roast beef dinner provided by the Elks at our November meeting. With so much going on, I doubt if we will have time for a regular meeting, so we tried to cover as much as possible in October.
The GI Statue is becoming a reality and we hope to share this project. This is quite an undertaking, but I'm sure we are all up to the task. We are looking forward to our Memorial Service and Christmas Party on December 16. What a great way to end the year!
To all of the ladies, and from all of the ladies, we wish you a very blessed Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, and happy, healthy 2009.
God Bless
Gaynell
Ruth Cox, Vice President
Vyrlene Gibson, Treasurer
Pat Mohrmann, Secretary
History of the Ladies Auxiliary
The Ladies Auxiliary of the St. Louis Gateway VBOB Chapter was formed in l993. This was a FIRST in the VBOB National. Millie Knize, founder and organizer of the Auxiliary, shares her memories of how the Chapter and Auxiliary were formed on the Memories of the Past - Hope for Future Generations page. Helen Keilholz succeeded Millie as president and currently handles the refreshments for our "special" meeting days and along with Millie, offers experience and advice to current president Gaynell Bronenkamp.