Sue Ewoldt pictured during the April 12 Traer Legion Auxiliary meeting. Ewoldt spoke to members of the auxiliary about Retrieving Freedom, a non-profit organization dedicated to training service dogs to help people. –Contributed photo

American Legion Auxiliary Unit 142 of Traer met on the evening of Tuesday, April 12, at the Traer Community Building with 17 members present. Sharon Finzen & Kay Klavido provided delicious refreshments.

Sue Ewoldt presented a very interesting program on Retrieving Freedom dogs, based in Waverly. They train service dogs for veterans and autistic children. Tama County President, Diane Caloud gave a talk on Clutier Auxiliary’s projects as well as those of Tama County.

U.S. flag disposal will be held June 28 at Gladbrook Post. Old tattered or faded U.S. flags can be taken to TMU or given to Legion or Auxiliary members for this purpose.

The meeting was called to order by President Donna Kersten with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Upcoming business

Our members will provide dinner for the Legion on April 18.

Members plan to go to the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown to help residents play Bingo April 20.

Pillow cleaning will be provided for the community May 19 at the Memorial Building. The purpose is to clean, sanitize, deodorize, refluff & refresh pillows and replace the ticking covers.

A memorial service will be held honoring members who have passed away this past year at our May 10th dinner meeting.

Poppy Days will be coming in May. Distribution of poppies is done in memory of Veterans who have sacrificed their lives for our country. Large poppies are placed on the graves of deceased Auxiliary members. Donations help toward the welfare and support of our Veterans and their dependents. They are still made by Veterans in Marshalltown.

A Facebook account is in the process of being set up for notification of events, projects.

It was discussed on how to involve the community in collecting pop tabs for the Ronald McDonald House.

Monetary donations were given to: NT Prom, NT Basic Life, Traer Ambulance, CHAT, Camp Courageous, Ronald McDonald House, Relay for Life-American Cancer Society, Dance Marathon U of I.

The meeting was closed with the singing of God Bless America.