The American Legion Family in Ketchikan pulled out the red carpet to welcome Legion, Auxiliary, SAL and Rider members from across the great state of Alaska to their home Post, Joseph T. Craig Post, Unit, Squadron and Chapter 3.
As Ketchikan is on the ocean and can boast a Coast Guard station, arrangements were made for Legion Family visitors to visit first hand the life on the USCGC John McCormick as well as USCGC Anthony Petit. Both cutters have very different jobs in protecting the United States shorelines, but both are integral parts of that safety. Very impressive!
The Legion Family in Ketchikan also hosted the 2021 Fall Conference the next day. The Sons of The American Legion were honored to have Western Region National Vice Commander Jim Stewart from Nevada in attendance. He shared SAL National Commander Michael Fox’s special project – Flying Flags for Heroes. SAL members were able to help toward the project right then and there as they placed flags in one of Ketchikan’s cemeteries. While the SAL was at the cemetery, both the Legion and Auxiliary broke out into their own meetings for updates and decision-making. It was a great weekend, everyone learned something, and if you went away hungry, it was your own fault.
To my surprise, following a wonderful BBQ dinner during the evening’s banquet, an outcry auction was the grand finale! Beautifully hand-made items – diamond-cut framed artwork, hand-knit shawl and a beautiful queen-size poppy quilt – were auctioned off, and all proceeds went to Team Alaska campaign coffers. And let me tell you this – everyone was extremely generous! I thanks the wonderful Legion Family in Ketchikan, as well as those that generously bid on the items!
I am humbled, and hope to make you all proud! ~ Lisa
