Recognizing American Legion Auxiliary's 100th Anniversary

Floor Speech

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Mr. HUIZENGA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the American Legion Auxiliary, the nation's largest wartime veterans service organization.

The American Legion Auxiliary is a premier service organization that has been a vital asset to our community. By providing support for our veterans, our military, and their families, the American Legion Auxiliary shapes a positive future in an atmosphere of fellowship, patriotism, and peace.

Founded in 1919, the American Legion Auxiliary boasts almost one million members from a range of different backgrounds. This past year, the organization oversaw more than 40 million volunteer hours and raised $37 million for charities across the US.

Specifically, the American Legion Auxiliary's West Michigan chapter, Roger B. Chaffee Post 154, has been a pillar in our community through their support of veterans, sponsorship of local events, and youth development. Their tireless work has dramatically increased the quality of life for veterans and their families across West Michigan.

The post gets their name from the late Roger B. Chaffee, an American naval officer, aeronautical engineer, and NASA astronaut in the Apollo program. Roger B. Chaffee grew up in West Michigan and graduated from Central High School in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he excelled in academics and became an Eagle Scout. Sadly, Roger perished in the Apollo 1 fire on January 27, 1967, but his legacy continues to live on throughout our country and in West Michigan.

Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating the American Legion Auxiliary and the Roger B. Chaffee Post 154 for their 100 years of dedicated service to veterans throughout our country and in West Michigan.

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