TEXARKANA, Ark. - Although American Legion Post 58's Ladies Auxiliary is now a century old, it's support and advocacy for veterans stays young according to its membership.
Letha Muskgrove who attended the organization's centennial celebration Saturday, said that since the group's May 11, 1921, inception, it still takes in the mothers, wives, sisters, daughters and grand daughters of veterans - and it is these women, who for the last century have made sure that U.S. servicemen and women overseas receive Christmas boxes, candy, books, stationary and clothing wherever they are deployed in the world.
"I joined the auxiliary when I was almost a junior in high school during the World War II," she said. "At the time, our office was at the corner of North State Line Avenue and East Broad Street. I had four uncles who went into military service at that time. I also had a brother in the Korean War and my husband was in the Air Force."
Muskgrove said that at the time of it founding, the auxiliary had 20 women and was the first establishment of its kind in the state of Arkansas.
"The Auxiliary was born in 1921 and I was born in 1931," said Muskgrove, who will be 90 years old this week.
Besides making sure that military service members receive gift boxes and Christmas cards overseas, Muskgrove also said that the auxiliary made sure that military service members' wives and children received clothing and groceries at home.
"Our group also went a long way in getting the Miller and Bowie Literacy Council developed,"she said.
Lorita Beggs, another member, said she is most impressed by the auxiliary's community involvement.
"I also think the fellowship the members have with each other is extremely likable," she said.
Zelda Mack, herself a former U.S. Army specialist, who is now commander of Texarkana Texas American Legion Post 25, said she's been with the Post for nine years but recently became an auxiliary member.
"I was asked to join the auxiliary on the Texas-side and I'm looking forward to getting to know more of the spouses and family of our Post's membership,"she said.