CHENANGO COUNTY – The various members of the American Legion Auxiliary have an interesting – and patriotic – way of spending their free time ... helping veterans. The Legion Auxiliary is the nation’s largest organization comprised of women who support and honor the sacrifice of United States’ soldiers and New York State's Sixth District – of which Chenango County is a part – and are currently looking to bolster their ranks with fresh recruits.

“In the spirit of service, not self, the mission of the American Legion Auxiliary is to support the American Legion and to honor the sacrifice of those who serve by enhancing the lives of our veterans, military, and their families, both at home and abroad,” explained American Legion Auxiliary Sixth District president Diane M. Craig. According to Craig, many people who would otherwise be interested in taking part in the Auxiliary’s work choose not to because they are unaware of what the organization is all about.

“The legion is more than beer gardens,” she said, describing the organization as a support network of veterans as well as a community volunteer program.