Wanda Dearing was named as the recipient of the Wendall Craft Award at the American Legion Auxiliary Department of Mississippi annual convention in July. The award is given annually for the Outstanding Member of the Year for their volunteerism of the American Legion Auxiliary programs.
“Wanda fully supported youth at military family days at three locations throughout the year," said Cindy Harper, American Legion Auxilary President. “She and her husband Mike brought their cooking trailer to serve hot dogs, chips, and drinks to Camp Shelby, Camp McCain, and Key Field. She cheerfully served the meals while speaking of patriotism and youth opportunities.”
“Wanda has a delightful sense of humor and spoke to young people on their own level,” said Harper, whose chosen focus for the year was youth and especially youth education on patriotism. “Wanda is the secretary/treasurer of the ALA Unit 173 in Hickory while also serving as District Five President. In that role she provides leadership and assistance to other units in the area. She has been selected to serve as delegate to the National Convention in New Orleans in August.”
After receiving the award, Dearing said that she looks forward to volunteering with her husband for years to come.
“Mike takes care of the cooking at the venues. I enjoy working with the young girls in the Youth Challenge program. My favorite assignment is reading to children and watching their faces change with excitement as we read the different books,” said Dearing. “There is nothing like the wonder of a child as they learn about our world and how proud we are of their parents serving to strengthen our country. We usually volunteer at several events every year. This October 29th we will be at Camp Shelby with Star Wars as the theme. I am so grateful for this honor and hope to continue working with my husband for many more years.”
This Wendall Craft Award is named for the Past Department Commander Wendall Craft and is sponsored by the Auxiliary at his home Post 56 Tylertown. Craft wanted to acknowledge the outstanding contributions of Auxiliary women to American Legion Posts across the state. He chose to award a set of luggage to the outstanding member selected by the ALA president. The award is given in his honor annually but has transitioned to an engraved silver tray.
