PAST NATIONAL PRESIDENT MARY SOUDERS Passes Away After Tree Decades of Service


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ast National President Mary Souders of Portland, Oregon, concluded three decades of service to the Ladies Auxiliary


VFW when she passed away on July 11, 2014. She became an Auxiliary member in 1951 on


the eligibility of her husband, Doyle E. Souders, who served in the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II. “Lest We Forget” was the theme of her term


as National President in 1976-1977. During the country’s bicentennial year, she exhorted her Auxiliary Sisters and Americans at-large to rekindle their patriotic spirit. She had the opportunity to institute a new


Auxiliary in Guam while representing the organization on a tour of the Far East. She also


presented the first Silver Award of Excellence for extraordinary community service to an Ohio Auxiliary. On the national level that year, VFW and Auxiliary legislative action saved the U.S. Senate Veterans Affairs Committee from being abolished and secured a new cost of living increase for veterans. Prior to her term as President, Mary served in many roles on


the National level: Community Activities Director, Chief of Staff, Color Bearer and National Chairman for the Western Conference for the Community Activities and Americanism/Loyalty Day programs.


She continued her commitment to the organization after her Presidency as National Advisory Committee Chairman, National Budget Committee Chairman and National Special Events Committee Co-Chairman. She also served six years on the VFW National Home Board of Trustees.


She will be missed by the many members who knew, loved and respected her.


18 | Ladies Auxiliary VFW Magazine


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