The Fall Conference of the Third District American Legion and Auxiliary was held on Saturday, October 17, 2015 hosted by the Gladbrook Post and Unit #127. The fifty Legionnaires met at the new Fire Station/Ambulance Bldg with an eight am registration. Third District members from the ten counties of central Iowa were greeted with coffee and rolls as they prepared for a day of information presided over by District Commander Neal Schrage of Parkersburg. The meeting was opened in form with special informational sessions on the progress of the Post #138 in Waterloo as they move to their new Post Home and are in the process of gaining new and younger members. They also heard from veterans taking courses at Hawkeye CC and UNI as they hope to start a student Post for these veterans. They also viewed an inspirational video on ‘Who Moved My Cheese“? The soup and sandwich luncheon was served back at the Memorial Bldg by the Gladbrook Post and Auxiliary ladies. Commander Neal had invited Marty Conaster, Past National Commander from Illinois to be the main speaker. He grew up in a small Illinois town similar to Gladbrook, where their new Legion building became the center of activities for the community. He urged the organization and members to be proud of what they do for their fellow veterans and how they can make a big difference in their communities, but they must let folks know through the local newspaper, newsletter, even facebook of what they do. Imagine not having the Memorial Bldg in your community for fundraisers, a meeting place for young people, a place for wedding receptions and a facility for community functions. Would the Legion Color Guard be missed as we lay our comrades to rest, or at the football games or as they lead the parade at Corn Carnival. Would the Memorial Park or the Freedom Rock be a reality if not for the Legion? Drawing for Merit Awards: Mens box of car washing stuff ($21) and “Mystery Box for women ($112) plus $100 donation for total of $233. Men to Rich Anderson and Women to Alice Junge. The Third District Auxiliary met in the Legion room of the Memorial Bldg with 73 members, 3 guests and 1 Junior signing in at the 8am registration. After the Executive Board meeting and processional practice, the meeting was called to order by Third District President Shirley Warnke of Norway. Chairman reported on Girls State (moved to Drake) and to be held June 12-17. If you have the funds to send a girl, but no candidate, contact Bev Copple and she will be able to link you up with a girl. There will be a fundraiser silent auction again at Mid-Winter and donations of Walmart or Fareway gift cards are always welcome. The new Junior Activities chairman, Melissa Johnson, will help any Unit start a Junior group as they are fun to work with, have enthusiasm and are the future of our organization. Save those pop tabs and make ditty bags for coloring books for hospitalized vets families, and bring to the Junior Spring Conference at 11:30 on Sunday April 3 in Conrad. Diana Shadduck, Past State ALA President, gave us information as National and Iowa work together on the future of the Auxiliary. Increasing membership, and reporting on what we do are important in awareness of the organization. Peak membership was reached during the WWII years and the last years, with the loss of the draft and the decrease in veterans or our modern military, and , of course, death, we have lost members. We must reach out to your younger veterans and make them and their families aware of the programs of the Auxiliary and why we need them to help us. Ms Shadduck also presented several plaques and awards to the Gladbrook Unit for their achievements this past year. Lisa Reinhard received the Dorothy Pearl award for most outstanding overall Americanism Award targeted to Children and Youth. Jeanne Paustian was presented the National Award for the Best Overall Junior Activities Program and Karen Pieper the National Award for Community Service Programs geared for children (Kids Shopping Day). After lunch, a Memorial Service was conducted by the District Chaplain and our membership skit that revealed Tama County to be next to the bottom!!! We have work to do gals! The beautiful fall day was a success and we hope everyone took information back to share with their Unit members.