The first time Francisca Massey stepped foot in an American Legion post home was in 2016. After that, her life changed forever. She immediately joined the American Legion Auxiliary.
 
“At the post, I listened to stories from veterans, Sons of The American Legion, and Auxiliary members about what their roles were and how they helped veterans. I knew then I wanted to be a part of that,” said Massey. “My life was not what I wanted it to be — I was sad and felt unfulfilled to that point. However, when I joined The American Legion Family, that all changed. I now had a purpose for going forward in my life.” 
 
Massey joined the Auxiliary under the service of World War II Army veteran Eugene Mohland. Coming from a long line of Army servicemembers in her family, Massey always had the utmost respect and appreciation for veterans, military, and their families. 
 
But since becoming an ALA member, Massey’s passion for helping veterans has flourished. She’s held numerous leadership positions at the unit, district, and department levels, and she is excited for the promising future of the American Legion Auxiliary. Massey is a member of Vermont Unit 63, and a Legion Rider of Post 59. 
 
Many of your family members served in the Army. How have their military experiences shaped your life? 
They taught me what real sacrifice is. It was difficult to not see them for a long time while they were deployed, but when they came home, I was so happy. They would share some stories with me, and it gave me a whole new sense of admiration for them. 
 
How has being an Auxiliary member impacted your life? 
Before the Auxiliary, I felt like I was just kind of sailing through life. I did things for veterans before I found out about the Auxiliary, but once I joined, everything changed. I feel like I have a real purpose now — like being a member of this wonderful organization and The American Legion Family is what I was meant to do. I am able to help so many more veterans, not only ones I know, but ones I haven’t even met yet. And I have met so many wonderful veterans and their families since joining the Auxiliary.
 
Do you have any favorite ALA committees or activities? 
One of my favorite committees I was a chairperson for was the Auxiliary Emergency Fund. I am very passionate about the AEF. I think it is so wonderful that if a member is in dire need of help because of a disaster that has struck, or because they fell on hard times, they can reach out and get that help. 
 
What was the most memorable moment/experience when you were Vermont’s department president? 
I will never forget the valuable mentoring I received from Past Department Presidents Janet Osmer, Elaine MacKenzie, Candy Huseman, Lynda Farmer, Terri Christie, and others who came before me. Without their guidance, I couldn’t have done this. They shared their experiences and knowledge and guided me through the entire process. 
 
What does The American Legion Family mean to you? 
In one word: Everything! My goal is to continue to put everything I can into this great organization. I really don’t think there are enough words or ways I can truly put out there to really convey what this organization means to me, but I can say it means everything. 
 
Is there anything else you’d like to add? 
Include new members. Don’t isolate them. Let them know you are there to help and to teach them. Give them advice, and ask them for their help at events or veteran places. Show them the good we do and can continue to do if we all work together to work the mission. 
 
 
Share Your Membership Story
Tell us about yourself and how you support the American Legion Auxiliary as a unit member who also loves the ALA’s mission of serving veterans, military, and their families. Contact us at ALAMagazine@ALAforVeterans.org or (317) 569-4500.