LADIES AUXILIARY – CHAPTER 0049

CURRENT PRESIDENT  -  UNIT 49

                                                President, Diane Petrini

 UNIT 49

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

 
     "First of all, I would like to offer my sincere thanks to Cheryl Perez for her great leadership of the Unit for the past few years. Cheryl has devoted much time to Americanism and is the founder and main force behind the annual Veterans Day Essay Contest held for the Chula Vista school district. The Essay question each year is "Why is it important to thank a Veteran." In addition, she has volunteered hours at the Veterans Home of Chula Vista. It will be a challenge to follow in her footsteps."

   "The Constitution of the LAMOPH lists the following OBJECTS of the organization: 'The objects of this organization are patriotic, fraternal, historical, and educational; to preserve and strengthen friendship among its members; to perpetuate the memory of our Purple Heart dead; to maintain true allegiance to the Government of the United States and fidelity to its laws. Further, it shall be the responsibility of each Member, Unit, and Department of the Ladies' Auxiliary to assist Chapters and Departments of the Military Order of the Purple Heart in emphasizing those principles of historical signi-ficance, AMERICANISM and LOYALTY, which are cherished inheritance of every American citizen."

    "I would like to take this opportunity to invite all spouses, daughters and grand-daughters of Purple Heart recipients to join the LAMOPH. We have many exciting events planned for the coming year.  We sponsor the Essay contest as well as the Afternoon Tea to benefit the women veterans at the Veterans Home in Chula Vista.  We need your help!"

    "I look forward to serving as President of the Unit for the coming year and I congratulate all of my fellow Officers."

MEMBERSHIP.  Membership in the Ladies Auxiliary, Military Order of the Purple Heart of the U.S.A., Inc., is hereby granted, subject to the terms and conditions as set forth in the Congressional Charter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart of the U.S.A., Inc. (Public Law 85-761), and subject to the various restrictions and limitations as set forth in the Ladies Auxiliary Constitution, Bylaws, Rules, and Regulation as adopted at their 1959 National Convention, and amended, and subject to such limitation as might from time to time be imposed by our National Organization.  The before referred-to Constitution, Bylaws, Rules, and Regulations of the Ladies Auxiliary as adopted  at their 1959 National Convention shall act as limitations to the various powers and authorities of the Ladies Auxiliary, and in no case shall be interpreted as broadening or increasing the authority or power of such Auxiliary beyond the specific limitations as set forth in Public Law 85-761 of the Congress of the United States of America, or our own Resolution, Constitution, Bylaws, Rules, and Regulations.

PURPOSE.  The purpose of the Ladies Auxiliary is to assist in furthering and perpetuating the objects of the Military Order of the Purple Heart of the U.S.A., Inc., as set forth in Article III of the Constitution of the National Corporation, particularly that part that pertains to “assisting, comforting, and aiding all distressed members and their dependents.”

MISSION.    The mission of the Ladies Auxiliary is to sponsor those principles of liberty, justice and general welfare that have made the United States the great nation that it is today.  The LAMOPH further pledges to assist the Military Order of the Purple Heart in carrying out its patriotic, fraternal, educational and historical programs.

NOVEMBER 18, 2010:

LAMOPH UNIT 49 HOST AFTERNOON TEA FOR FEMALE VETERANS

The Ladies Auxiliary, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Unit 49, hosted an Afternoon Tea for the Women Veterans of the California Veterans Home, Chula Vista on Thursday, November 18^th, 2010.     The catered event was held in the Rose Garden Café at the Veterans Home.  LAMOPH members transformed the room into a Victorian looking tea shop decorated in purple. LAMOPH members filled old fashion tea cups with fresh flowers for center pieces which were given to the residents at the end of the tea.  Twenty eight women veterans attended the tea that included the traditional tea sandwiches and desserts.  LAMOPH provided beautiful Victorian silk fans to each attendee.  One of the highlights of the Tea was a Victorian Fashion Show presented by the Victorian Ladies Society of San Diego.  In addition, the Canyon Quilters Group provided each veteran with a lap quilt.  Victorian dressed ladies delivered desserts and a fan to the women residents who were unable to attend.  The residents were very excited about the tea and spent the morning getting ready for it.  We heard from staff that the ladies were like young girls as they tried to decide what to wear, how to do their hair and what jewelry to wear.     

The idea for the tea came about as LAMOPH President Cheryl Perez and Vice President Diane Petrini spoke at the Veteran Homes of Chula Vista Founders Day Event about wanting to do something to honor the women veterans residents there.  The afternoon tea was a huge success in every way and we look forward to making this an annual event.  The Tea would not have been possible without underwriting by The Haehn Foundation and the personal support of Jackie Haehn.  The Chula Vista Star News also covered the afternoon tea and the article can be read at: http://www.thestarnews.com/latest-news/remembering-the-first-ladies-of-war/

Mrs. Charlotte Miller of LAMOPH Unit 49 and a female veteran examines a Victorian silk fan.

LAMOPH Members, Veterans, Visitors and Friends enjoy the treats and conversation.

Another example of Victorian dress styles.

Mrs. Alice Barrett of LAMOPH, Unit 49 and a newly-made friend.

 Day's End.

 LADIES AUXILIARY UNIT 49: CONDUCTS ESSAY CONTEST FOR 5TH GRADE

The Ladies Auxiliary held their second annual, “It’s More Than A Day Off From School" Veterans Day  Essay contest  on “Why It Is Important To Thank Our Veterans”.  The essay was open to Fifth Grade students in the Chula Vista Elementary School District.  We had 130 entries this year from 10 schools.

Semi-finalists were chosen by LAMOPH members, finalists were chosen by MOPH and the winning, second and third place essays were chosen by residents at the Veterans Home of Chula Vista. 

Every student who submitted an essay received a MOPH bookmark and book cover.  Honorable Mentions (one from each school) received a certificate with a coupon for a free pint of Ben and Jerry’s ice cream.  Second and Third Place received  $10 Borders gift cards.

The winning essay, written by Milena Calcagni, received a  $25 gift certificate to Oggi’s.  Ms. Calcagni was also recognized at the Chula Vista City Council meeting where she read her essay and was presented a certificate by City Councilman John McCann, an Afghanistan veteran.   Ms. Calcagni’s mother is a Navy veteran and her dad is currently in the Navy waiting for deployment to Afghanistan.

Chapter 0049 witness the award to Milena Calcagni.  L-R: Ms. Diane Petrini; Mr. Calcagni; Council Member McCann; Milena; Mrs. Calcagni; Cheryl Perez; Rachel Perez; Mrs. Charlotte Miller; Luc Perez; and Cmdr. U. Miller.

 The Proud Winner with Certificate of Recognition

UNIT 49 ELECTION RESULTS

     Unit 49 held it April meeting on Saturday, 16 April 2011.  At the meeting, the offices of President, Sr. Vice President, Jr. Vice President, Treasurer, Sergeant-At-Arms, Trustee One Year, Two Year Trustee,  and Three-Year Trustee.  The results of the voting and election are as follow:

• Diane Petrini was elected Unit President for 2011-2012.
• Cheryl Perez was elected Sr. Vice President for 2011-2012.
• Cora Adams was elected to Jr. Vice President for 2011-2012.
• Myrna Ringen was elected Treasurer for 2011-2012.
• Charlotte Miller was elected Sergeant-At-Arms for 2011-2012.
• Jeanne Evans was elected Trustee Year 1 for 2011-2012.
• Barbara Waller was elected Trustee Year 2 for 2011-2012.
• Charlotte Miller was elected Trustee Year 3 for 2011-2012.

 Ladies Auxiliary meeting of April 2011. L-R: Barbara Waller, Rachel Perez,  Myrna Ringen, Charlotte Miller, Cora Adams, Diane Petrini and Cheryl Perez.

Oath of Office

Acceptance of gavel.

New President, Diane Petrini

     We wish the entire new officer slate, all the best in carrying out their duties and responsibilities for the year 2011-2012.  This year will present many new challenges as well as new opportunities.  We are sure that our staff of officers will meet and exceed the challenges.

Story updated: 23 April 2011: 21:15 

** Images are capable of being opened and enlarged in a separate window by moving your cursor to the bottom right of the image and then clicking on the + image that appears.

MOPH Chapter 49 and LAMOPH Unit 49  -      Year 2009 

NOVEMBER 18, 2010:

LAMOPH UNIT 49 HOST AFTERNOON TEA FOR FEMALE VETERANS

** Images are capable of being opened and enlarged in a separate window by moving your cursor to the bottom right of the image and then clicking on the + image that appears.

Ms. Jacquie Haehn of the Haehn Foundation meets Veteran Joan de Munbrun

One of many special gifts given to the female veterans at the Chula Vista Vet. Home

Pres. Cheryl Perez of LAMOPH and Pres. Barbara Stevens of Canyon Quilters.

A Victorian model in period dress.

Meanwhile, everyone continues to enjoy the Rose Garden Cafe

Mrs. Charlotte Miller of LAMOPH Unit 49 and a new friend.

At day's end, Unit 49 found that it had made more friends at the Chula Vista Veterans Home than it could ever realize.

LADIES AUXILIARY UNIT 49: CONDUCTS ESSAY CONTEST FOR 5TH GRADE

LAMOPH Pres. Cheryl Perez and Milena Calcagni at podium.

Milena reads essay to council as Cheryl Perez and Council Member John McCann look on.

Mr. and Mrs. Calcagni, and Milena.

Winning Essay

Why It’s Important To Thank Our Veterans

By: M. C.

A Fifth Grader in The Chula Vista Elementary School District

Military veterans are the reason why we, as Americans, are able to wake up in the morning, make our own choices through the day and sleep peacefully at night.  My dad says, “We sleep under a blanket of freedom each night”.

 A military job consists of many advantages and disadvantages.  Advantages include: good pay, privileges on military bases, various discounts and your guaranteed safety while on those bases.  The disadvantages are why I respect veterans so much.

First, you could be deployed at a moments notice and if you were, you would be putting your life on line for the security of others.  This is especially difficult for those members with families.  While their families at home are busy with daily routines like, eating together, laughing and shopping, their deployed family members are waking up to a different atmosphere away from their loved ones.

I understand that when military service members have signed up for this job they are well aware of all circumstances, good and bad, that might come.  Yet, they are still willing to sacrifice their everyday lives for the well-being of their country. The appreciation of the freedom Americans enjoy is the reason why they’re willing to make these sacrifices.

Memorials like Pearl Harbor and the Vietnam Wall are symbols of the cost it means to be free.  My mom still gets teary when fighter jets do fly-bys at the football stadiums.  When I ask her why, she just smiles, hugs me, and says it is just so awesome to live in America.  Without our men and women in the military, none of this would be possible.

Military service is an honor and we should remember those who have served, are serving and have paid the ultimate price for the freedoms we all share each day.

Essay contest sponsored by:

Ladies Auxiliary, Military Order of The Purple Heart

San Diego, Sunny Jones Unit 49

THE PURPLE HEART

WITH  RIBBON STAMP

• Unveiling at San Diego, CA

•  Issuance aboard USS Midway

•  May 4th and May 5th, 2011

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     Ladies Auxiliary Unit 0049 was a major participant in the Forever Stamp ceremonies at San Diego, CA.  Among many things, the Unit prepared and handed out specially-made bags for the event with Chapter 0049 logo and filled with goodies for tourist including a spiffy white sun visor and patriotic literature.  The Unit also accompanied the MOPH on a tour around Point Loma offering commentary as we stopped at several locations.

     All and all, the Chapter owes a debt of "atta girls" to all the members that showed up and participated.  Many thanks from all of us.

The Ladies Auxiliary members at the National Postal Forum (NPF) and the Unveiling of the Forever Stamp. Cmdr. Kirk Lippold of the USS Cole is shown holding the stamp.
 

Mrs. Alice Barrett, member emerita of Unit 0049

May 5, 2011, the public ceremony on board the USS Midway for the "First Day of Issuance."