There were many guests that joined the Wagner American Legion and Wagner American Legion Auxiliary at the June supper. The first two recognized guests were Marcella Strand and Brenda Jaton. Marcella has retired from the Modern Woodmen and will no longer be the Wagner area’s representative. Taking her place will be Brenda Jaton. Modern Woodmen has been very generous, providing matching funds to local organizations including the Wagner American Legion. Wagner Cancer Walk and Rummage President Arlis Kafka and Vice-President Jeanne Horner also joined us as they wanted to honor Marcella as well for her work gaining matching funds for their organization. Not only did Marcella provide matching funds for many organizations, but as their representative, Marcella also sponsored Wagner’s Hometown Hero recognition and ceremony. She has played a big role in our community and will be greatly missed, but we are happy for her in her retirement and know that Brenda will continue the work of Modern Woodmen in our area.

The Wagner American Legion Auxiliary was proud to host two of the four Wagner families that currently have 2024 year’s seniors that have enlisted in the military. Joining us for supper were Pat and Becky Breen, parents of Jhett Breen who is currently in training in Texas and Burgess and Jenny Zephier, whose son, Caleb, completed his initial training in December and is currently in college in the Black Hills. We presented the two families with blue star banners. These banners are hung by families with current service members. The Breens received a one blue star banner as Jhett is their only child in the military and the Zephiers received a two star as they have two children that are currently in the military. We greatly appreciate both families and the support that they have given their children in making the decision to serve the country.

The Wagner American Legion Auxiliary recently gathered toys, stuffed animals, toiletries, etc. for a project that the South Dakota American Legion Auxiliary has been asked to be a part of. At the State Convention in Huron during the weekend of June 21st, they will be collecting items to be given to different non-profit entities throughout the state that support children and families including the Department of Human Services, Child Protective Services and organizations such as the Abbot House.