Auxiliary celebrates local vets

The Moorcroft Unit 25 of the American Legion Auxiliary hosted a carry-in honoring veterans at the MTC cafeteria Friday night with ham, turkey, deviled eggs, rolls, potatoes and many other sides and delicious desserts.

These women were asked why they expend the energy and time to prepare the dinners and other activities for the vets and Vicki Paddock answered, "To honor them – to show them our gratitude for what they've done."

Many of the vets celebrated now are of the Viet Nam era. Speaking openly of the dismal treatment their men received when they returned home from that conflict, Ann Sundstrum summed it up: "We've all had men – fathers, brothers and husbands in the service [and] there was such a stigma there [Viet Nam]...[but] they were finally recognized."

American Legion President and Army veteran Tim Wattenberg was stationed in Germany during the Viet Nam conflict (1971-1972), "I didn't serve in Viet Nam, I'm just from that era. I'm a Cold War warrior."

Claude and Shelly Trigg served in the Army National Guard/Navy and Navy respectively in the 80s, working in Haiti and Bosnia.

"We [saw] a little bit of action," Shelly said, "but not much."

When the three were asked what their reaction is when they are recognized, Shelly commented, "Everybody says 'thank you' to the veterans, but I say 'thank you' for enjoying the freedom we provide you."

Many who attended the old senior center on North Big Horn will recall the many photographs of local warriors who served over the last century; the auxiliary carefully removed those pictures when the seniors moved from the now demolished building and now, proudly exhibit the photos once again in the MTC.

Paddock explained how this adaptation came about, "The poster stand was purchased by American Legion Auxiliary Unit 25 and the Moorcroft Senior Center.  The original posters were done by Kelly Traylor.  I just redid the pictures and added more.  All the pictures and the information are saved."

People are invited to drop by during senior center hours (9 a.m.-3 p.m.) and look through the history of sacrifice Moorcroft families have given.

There are calendars available with many of the pictures honoring veterans drawn by Moorcroft school students available through the auxiliary.