The history of the VFW Auxiliary Department of Missouri is a testament to 100 years of unwavering service, beginning with its charter in 1925 and continuing through its centennial year as a powerful advocate for veterans, their families, and the community.

 

The year 1925 marked a pivotal moment for the Ladies Auxiliary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). Recognizing the growing administrative load on its National Secretary and Treasurer, the organization established State Departments.

 

Missouri was quick to answer the call, proudly chartering as the 16th state Department. This organizational milestone was formally achieved on November 7, 1925, during the VFW's Council of Administration meeting. The setting was Rolla, Missouri, with the charter being officially received from the Department of Missouri VFW. 

Our foundational leader was Ethel (Kerstann) McCarty (later Gilzean). A resident of Kansas City and a member of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Thirty-fifth Division Post, Veterans of Foreign Wars, she joined the Auxiliary through her husband, Harry McCarty, a World War I veteran. Displaying remarkable dedication, she served an extended term as the first Department President, guiding the new organization for three consecutive terms from 1925 to 1928. Her leadership established the groundwork for the century of service that followed.

Honoring Education and Heritage: The Department's enduring legacy includes vital contributions to the Winston Churchill Memorial and Library in Fulton, MO, many Department President special projects, and the funding of two annual scholarships. These scholarships proudly honor two remarkable Missourians and Past National Presidents, Mabel Tanner and Glenneta Vogelsang, ensuring their impact benefited future generations.

 

Sustained Support for the VFW National Home: A core tenet of the Auxiliary's service is the continuous support of the VFW National Home. This support has been long-standing, commencing when the Department of Missouri VFW adopted the Missouri I House in 1935. In 2020, this commitment was renewed and expanded with the adoption of the Missouri II Pollett House. 

Missouri I House

Original Missouri Pollett House

New Missouri II Pollett House

The Department of Missouri VFW Auxiliary naturally became a vital partner in supporting these homes, ensuring military and veteran families have a safe, nurturing community when they need it most. Adding to this dedication, the Department of Missouri Auxiliary has proudly hosted the Fall Festival at the VFW National Home for many years, providing a beloved tradition and celebration for the children and families who reside there.

 

Fostering Patriotism and Arts: We actively encourage youth patriotism, notably through the Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest. This program recognizes and rewards students who demonstrate their artistic talent while expressing their patriotism. A highlight of this effort was Jill Williamson, sponsored by the Blue Springs, MO Vaughn Hudnall VFW Auxiliary 6603, who achieved national recognition by winning the National competition in 2002, building on her prior national placement in 2001.

 

As we celebrate our 100th year, the Department of Missouri VFW Auxiliary continues its vital work. Our strength is rooted in our passionate membership: this year we have 108 Auxiliaries across the state, boasting a dedicated membership of 11,983 individuals. This powerful network ensures that the commitment forged in 1925 continues to uplift veterans and serve the state of Missouri for many years to come.

 

 

The success of the Department of Missouri VFW Auxiliary has been built upon the vision and dedication of every leader who has held the office of Department President since 1925. We honor their commitment to our mission and the legacy they have preserved for future generations.

 

Ethel McCarty Gilzean 1925-1928	Anna Phillips 1928-1929	Pearle Martin 1929-1930	Marion Meier 1930-1931	Mabel Tanner 1931-1933	Frances Gallagher 1933-1934
Edna Herbst 1934-1935	Zola Windsor 1935-1936	Goldye Thorpe 1936-1937	Bertha Nan Carroll 1937-1938	Helen Hilpiack 1938-1939	Edith Glasscock 1939-1940
Rozella Schooler Haring 1940-1941	Julia Wolf 1941-1942	Emma Floyd 1942-1943	Clara Adams Burgrabe 1943-1944	Elizabeth Cornell 1944-1945	Ella Trusdell 1945-1946
Hazel McWhirter 1946-1947	Marion Burr 1947-1948	Wilma Kile 1948-1949	Elsie Olmsted 1949-1950	Emma Braun 1950-1951	Blanche Satterfield  1951-1952
Lucille Mart 1952-1953	Eloise Meader 1953-1954	Athla Dodge 1954-1955	Idelle LaJuenes 1955-1956	Viola Keele 1956-1957	Virginia Settle 1957-1958
Bernice Cavalleri 1958-1959	Opal Donahue 1959-1960	Ida Mae Robinson 1960-1961	Erna Georgevitch 1961-1962	Dorthy Buerke 1962-1963	Theresa Martin Baysinger 1963-1964
Thelma Stark  1964-1965	Arleen Martin  1965-1966	Marcella Blandino 1966-1967	Mary Hutcherson 1967-1968	Mary Berry 1968-1969	Ruth Stanger 1969-1970
Ann Siscel 1970-1971	Mary Lee Young 1971-1972	Helen Wedig  1972-1973	Mary Beal 1973-1974	Glenneta Vogelsang 1974-1975	Audrey Creel  1975-1976
Alma Glesuis  1976-1977	Helen Tull 1977-1978	Emelia Droege  1978-1979	Catherine Stratton 1979-1980	Maurine Swanson 1980-1981	Lois Qualls 1981-1982
Peggy Bonney 1982-1983	Regina Bryant  1983-1984	Elva Garland  1984-1985	Chris Bock 1985-1886	Arline Ridenour 1986-1987	Gerry Sickles 1987-1988
Alice McNarie 1988-1989	Laverne Tompkins 1989-1990	Judith Millick 1990-1991	Connie Stoker 1991-1992	Charleen Bossman 1992-1993	Deanna Jones 1993-1994
Judy Davis 1994-1995	Brenda Stuck Bryant 1995-1996	Betty Merideth 1996-1997	Betty Arnold 1997-1998	Maryland Lyons 1998-1999	Janice Watts 1999-2000
Judy Thrower 2000-2001	Maxine Daile 2001-2002	Judy Dorse 2002-2003	Jackie Jones 2003-2004	Grace Schockley 2004-2005	Jackie Davis 2005-2006
Susan Vanderclute Eveland 2006-2007	Jeri Sherwood 2007-2008	Debbie Griffin Colyott 2008-2009	Yvonne Massey 2009-2010	Charlotte Jones 2010-2011	Lora Dailey 2011-2012
Rebecca Straus Wischmeyer 2012-2013	Danetta Wakefield 2013-2014	Gigi Gill 2014-2015	Sheila Allen 2015-2016	Hazel Linneberger 2016-2017	Nelda Clifton 2017-2018
Carolann Osterloh 2018-2019	Rowena Grigsby 2019-2020	Ella Edwards Kirtley 2020-2021	Janet Barlar 2021-2022	Judy Northcutt 2022-2023	Judi Linneberger 2023-2024
		Amy Jo Lett 2024-2025	Patti Burge 2025-2026