From Lisa Williamson, American Legion Auxiliary national president 2023-2024
 
What a year! It seems like just yesterday I was installed as your 2023-2024 ALA national president. And now, the administrative year has come to a close. 
 
I am incredibly grateful to all of our members who worked the mission to best serve our veterans, military, and their families. You truly made a difference! 
 
In my travels throughout the country — even the world — I was astounded at the mission work of our members. Some projects were huge with many months or even years of planning; some were as simple as a kind word and listening ear. 
 
Together as an American Legion Family, we brought awareness to the suicide epidemic of our military and veterans and the Be the One mission. I saw our members support those struggling by lending a shoulder and helping our veterans get the resources they need. 
 
I am a firm believer that if we save one life — just one — this year’s Legion Family focus was exactly the right mission at the right time. As we learned in 2023-2024, to save a life doesn’t mean we have to take on all the problems of the world at once. We learned we don’t have to host a huge event or make a substantial donation to a program that provides therapy. We have shown it can be as simple as listening to a veteran when they want to talk. 
 
Thank you for opening your department and unit doors to me. I enjoyed seeing our members work the mission at the grassroots level — continuing to put our veterans, military, and their families first. You showed that together, we are stronger, and can have an even bigger influence. 
 
Please continue to recruit members, volunteers, and donors, and continue to renew your ALA membership. Each of you makes a profound impact on this organization. 
 
This administrative year has been incredible, and I thank all of you for what you do —generally, for the ALA mission, and for how you embraced Be the One.