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“May we think of freedom, not as the right to do as we please, but as the opportunity to do what is right.”
~ Peter Marshall, author
American Legion Auxiliary Unit 14 is dedicated to serving veterans. As president of the organization, Diane Beekman says, “Veterans are last to ask for help, and yet they will always help others.” The mission of the Auxiliary is a large one:
“In the spirit of Service Not Self, the mission of the American Legion Auxiliary is to support The American Legion and honor the sacrifice of those who serve by enhancing the lives of our veterans, military and their families, both at home and abroad. For God and Country, we advocate for veterans, educate our citizens, mentor youth and promote patriotism, good citizenship, peace and security.”
Although the organization is a national one, our local unit has been active since inception and continues to provide a variety of services and resources. The local office had to change some of their activities when they moved from their previous location to the one at 426 W. Grand Avenue since they went from having a large building to a smaller location. Previously, they could host breakfasts for fundraising and even used to host a popular mother-son dance from 2014-19, as well as stock numerous supplies that veterans and others might need. With less space, they’ve had to become more creative with how they raise funds and provide the support needed, but if you watch all they do, you will notice they are busy doing just that.
They are busy. Some of the recent support has been providing gift cards to each of the 11 elementary schools to use for their clothing banks at the schools. They also sponsor a scholarship at Pioneer Technology Center for students with a one-time need, which might be for tools needed for a class or something similar. For veterans and/or military families, they provided food baskets at Thanksgiving and toys and gifts at Christmas. In addition, they try to keep signs on the doors of veterans in nursing homes, so people visiting the facility know they are veterans and of what branch of service.
The Auxiliary has also collaborated with other organizations such as the American Legion, VFW, Veteran’s Landing, Peachtree Landing, Survivor Resource Network and Bridgeway with various community projects, as well as adopted teachers at various times. Their mission is to serve others, and they take that seriously.
While the dance fund-raiser was one of their most fun to sponsor, both Beekman and board secretary Marilyn Lechtenberg said the most fulfilling activity they sponsor is Girls State, where girls from all 50 states are chosen and hosted for a week in June in Washington, D.C., where they learn more about responsible citizenship and leadership. The girls are chosen through a recommendation of grades, attendance, discipline and sponsors. They will learn more about how the government works and the process of writing and passing bills. There are usually about 300 girls total. Generally, Ponca City sponsors about six girls, but this year Beekman said there were 13 girls for whom they would like to find sponsors to send to the program. “It’s a good problem to have, but not one I was expecting,” says Beekman, as she talks about securing sponsors for the number of girls they hope to send this year.
They also assist if needed with Boys State, with the local effort coordinated by American Legion member Tom Sipe. Last year the group Ponca City sent to Boys State was their largest ever.
The two organizations have also adopted a National Guard unit together, providing lunches and a family fun night for the members of the unit, as well as other items and activities. It is just one of the ways to provide for these service members and their families.
The American Legion in Ponca City has a rich history. The grounds for the original building were donated by oilman E.W. Marland, who didn’t stop there with his support. A copy of the Marland News on the wall at the current office tells that the charter of the organization was secured for the Ponca City Branch and that Marland would pay for all veterans who were employed by Marland Refining Company and Kay County Gas Company to enroll in the Legion.
In addition, many will remember the American Legion Children’s Home and its original purpose, providing a safe environment and support to the children of deceased veterans. The grounds for this facility were also donated by E.W. Marland, with other businessmen providing support to the project. Members of the Auxiliary were often sponsors for the children who lived there. Until 1995, all children there were those of veterans who were in need. At that time, the mission of the facility in Ponca City was expanded to include other children as well, and now it is known as Marland’s Place, an organization to bring children together with nurturing families, both foster and adoptive. The goal remains to improve the lives of children.
There are two former residents of the Children’s Home who have their photographs on the wall at the Auxiliary’s office to honor their sacrifice in service to the country. The first is Wm. Nile Huff with the 96th Company 6th Regiment, 1st Division U.S. Marines, who died June 15, 1918, in Belleau Woods, France. Also, Alvia Lee Minor who was missing in action (and considered deceased) on May 8, 1943, on the USS Neosho Navy Coral Sea. If you look further, you can find other former residents who serve in positions in business, politics and more. The Legion and Legion Auxiliary’s work to help others began early and has continued to benefit our community.
Their office on Grand hosts a service officer to meet with veterans and assist with needs and resources. Veterans can set up an appointment with the officer, and the usual day is Wednesday. There are seven VA Centers with nursing care, as well as other facilities to assist veterans. It is oftentimes difficult to navigate needs, and veterans are encouraged to meet with the officer to find out the resources available.
Many of the Auxiliary’s activities vary from year to year. They have a current membership of 25-30, although not all are necessarily active. You simply need a military connection to qualify to become a member, and you can do so to support the group even if you are unsure if you have time to be active. You can find out more about the Auxiliary on the Facebook page, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 14 Ponca City OK. The site will give an idea of some of the activities they’ve been involved in, but I assure you there are more than they indicate there. It’s a good time to be involved and help with the wonderful work they do.
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