Unit Member of the Year recipients were recognized at the American Legion Auxiliary Luncheon at the ALA’s 103rd National Convention in New Orleans, La.

“These outstanding individuals have shown exceptional dedication to our mission,” American Legion Auxiliary National President Lisa Williamson said at the luncheon. “Through their tireless efforts and generous contributions, they’ve made a significant impact on others.”

Trishia Eubanks from the Department of Nevada was one of the Unit Members of the Year honored at this year’s luncheon.

After she found out she was nominated, Eubanks said she was shocked.

“You volunteer and do what you can and see a need, and you just want to help and fill that need,” she said. “I totally did not expect to be nominated or expect this luncheon.”

Departments cheered extra loud for their individual Unit Member of the Year recipients when their name was announced, giving support to those who work hard to serve our veterans, military, and their families.

“The heart of our organization beats strong through our grassroots members,” Williamson said. “As we look toward the future, may we be inspired by the commitment and excellence of those we honor today.”

ALA departments are proud to honor this year’s 2024 ALA Unit Member of the Year recipients for going above and beyond when it comes our nation’s veterans, military, and their families:

Alabama: Mary Westbrook; Arizona: Erica Bailey; Arkansas: Donaice Harris; California: Kathleen Salas; Colorado: Jodi Fisher; Delaware: Margie Abbott; Florida: Yvonne Hargis; Georgia: Nancie Albin; Hawaii: Harlow Thomas; Idaho: Louise Harbaugh; Illinois: Deb Talbert; Iowa: Margaret Kenyon; Kansas: Wanda Gabel; Kentucky: Linda Brewer; Louisiana: Regina Fulmer; Maine: Rita Smith; Maryland: Charlene Hall; Massachusetts: Sande Young; Michigan: Michele Stetts; Minnesota: Molly Magnuson; Mississippi: Cathy Stroud; Missouri: Norma Wengert; Montana: Nancy Linnell; Nebraska: Erica Albers; Nevada: Trishia Eubanks; New Hampshire: Carole Boisclair; New Jersey: Danielle DiBenedetto; New Mexico: Maria Baldwin; New York: Cathy Simpson; North Carolina: Pansy Harris; North Dakota: Deb Sparrow; Ohio: Brandy Little; Oklahoma: Angie Wagstaff; Pennsylvania: Patricia Hetrick; Rhode Island: Gwen
Benoit; South Carolina: Carolyn Wainwright; South Dakota: Marlene Elmers; Tennessee: Michele Osborn; Texas: Janice Titus; Utah: Marva Alexander; Virginia: Loretta Paruti; West Virginia: Sarah Tolstyka; Wisconsin: Terry Giles; Wyoming: Georgie Garland. (Note: Not all American Legion Auxiliary departments submitted
names for this award.)

“These members are extraordinary not because they seek recognition, but because their need to serve those in need is just part of who they are,” Williamson said.

Eubanks said it was an honor to attend the ALA Luncheon.

“It feels good to be recognized,” she said. “But that’s not what we do it for. To know that they [the Department of Nevada] think that highly of me makes me feel good.”

ALA Unit Member of the Year award criteria and selection process

• Nominees must be an adult American Legion Auxiliary unit member not in an elected or appointed leadership role higher than unit president.
• A narrative of 1,000 words or less describing the nominee’s accomplishments and activities must be submitted by a unit to its department (state) Leadership Committee chairman.
• Each department selects one Unit Member of the Year from its submitted candidates.
• Selection of the winner is at the discretion of the department Leadership chairman.
• Recognition of the winners occurs at the American Legion Auxiliary’s National Convention. The application deadline is June 1 of each calendar year.

Download the award application here.

By Sara Fowler, Staff Writer