OUR HISTORY

A Century of Service: The History of the VFW Auxiliary Department of Missouri

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 First Leader: Ethel (Kerstann) McCarty

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.


A Legacy of Impact and Support

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
Missouri I House
Original Missouri II Pollett House
Original Missouri Pollett House
 New Missouri II 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.
 

Standing Strong in Our Centennial Year

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.

 
A Tradition of Strong Leadership
 
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