Legion Auxiliary honors two long-time members
Two women were recognized Wednesday night during the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 136 meeting for their many years of service to the organization.
Auxiliary President Linda Lewis presented Rubye Woodhead with a plaque of appreciation for her 13 years of service as the secretary for the organization.
Woodhead, who was shocked to receive the plaque, said she did not know what she was doing when she first became the secretary.
“It was quite a time,” she told the crowd.
In 1995, Woodhead lost her husband and knew she needed to get involved in organizations on the island.
“He always wanted me to get involved in the auxiliary,” she recalled.
Woodhead became the second secretary of the auxiliary and remained in that position for many years.
“I believe in what we do here,” she said of why she enjoyed the position.
Woodhead said the auxiliary is about the veterans, families and the community.
Over the years she said it was interesting to work with the different gals as presidents because everyone goes about doing things in different ways.
Carol Paulson, a past president of the auxiliary, was presented with an engraved bench during the meeting Wednesday night as well, for her many years of service.
“I love this auxiliary and my best wishes,” she said after the cloth was removed revealing the bench. “I am overwhelmed and it’s certainly an honor.”
On Sept. 13, 2001, Paulson joined the auxiliary because she was completely devastated by what happened on the day of Sept. 11. She said she sold 100 flags for people to fly on their car windows from her business in Minnesota with the proceeds going to a Cape Coral family who was directly affected by the terrorist attack.
“It was my first real jump in,” Paulson said of joining the auxiliary. “I guess I have been jumping ever since.”
Although she is not sure how any years she served as the president, she believes it was six different times. Paulson held every position the auxiliary has over the years.
She said the thing that has held a special meaning to her over the years is her trophy case and the number of awards the auxiliary has received from the department and district for their achievements.
“The ladies worked hard on a lot of programs,” Paulson said, which includes 18 in total.
While president, she said they did model work for veterans, children and the youth, as well as the community.
“We are very involved in the community,” Paulson said.
Something that stood out above all else was working side by side with Woodhead.
“One of the best things was working so close to Rubye,” Paulson said.
Woodhead said she really enjoyed working with Paulson as well because they worked well together.
The bench Paulson received will be placed on the patio at the Legion.