MuskogeePhoenix.com, Muskogee, OK

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December 12, 2008

Auxiliary tours VA hospitals with gifts of cheer

By Keith Purtell





More than 1,000 area hospitalized vets got a special Christmas visit this year.

Nancy Ellis, president of the American Legion Auxiliary at Post No. 15, said each vet got several gifts, a card, and a thank you for serving their country.

Auxiliary members took six days to tour VA centers in Oklahoma City, Sulphur, Ardmore, Talihina, Muskogee, Claremore, Lawton, Clinton and Norman. The Muskogee visit took place Dec. 4.

“This was me and Gwenell Knight, president of the Oklahoma American Legion Auxiliary,” Ellis said. “We met with members of the local auxiliary at each location that went with us to each facility. We visited approximately 1,800 vets.”

Ellis said the entire trip covered approximately 1,400 miles, but it was all for the benefit of the vets.

“I just hope that they know someone remembers them and that we conveyed our gratitude,” she said. “It just comes from the heart.”

Ellis said auxiliary members get out their checkbooks each year to support the tour.

“Each post contributes,” she said. “Ever year we spend thousands. Our local District No. 2 gave somewhere between $900 and $1,000.”

Ellis said her own family knows how important the VA centers are; she has five children who either have been or are in the military.



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