Two local women attend national VFW convention

Judy Thrower and Glenneta Vogelsang, both of Cape Girardeau and members of the Clippard, Wilson, Taylor Auxiliary No. 3838, participated in the 89th National Convention of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) held Aug. 24-30 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville, Tenn.

The convention marked the beginning of Thrower's 2002-2003 term as National Voice of Democracy Director and Vogelsang's 2002-2003 term of membership on the National Appeals and Grievances Committee.

National President Diana Stout of Charleston, W.Va., rallied the 671,501 members behind the theme, "Liberty and Justice for All." In the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, auxiliaries throughout the country provided personal care packets for rescue workers in New York, donated funds to help the victims' families and contributed $280,000 for Operation Uplink, which provides long-distance telephone cards to those called to fight terrorism on the front lines.

Several awards were presented and donations made during the convention. Other highlights included a display of the top three winning entries in the National Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest, a memorial service and the Patriotic Rally.

For more information about programs and scholarships offered by the organization, visit www.ladiesauxvfw.com.