One of our greatest treasures is our youth as they are our leaders of tomorrow. Many of our youth have family members serving in the military, so we must help the younger generation learn what our veterans and their families have sacrificed for us to enjoy our freedoms. As members of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, it is our responsibility to ensure we take an active part in teaching our youth the value of freedom and respect for our country. Start planning youth programs to fulfill your obligations and commitments to the Ladies Auxiliary VFW as we are "Going Above and Beyond the Call of Duty to Help Our Veterans" and our youth.

STATEWIDE PROJECT

"Youth Supporting Our Troops" and promotion of all youth activities will be our Statewide Project. Get local youth involved with your programs. Give awards for the most creative way of getting the word out in your community for participation in the program. Recognize youth for their contributions to the community by issuing citations from the National organization to any youth (group or individual) who Support our Troops. These citations are available at no cost through the Department office; the deadline to request a citation is April 1, 2012.

JUNIOR GIRLS

The Junior Girls are very important to the Ladies Auxiliary as they are our future leaders. Include them in your programs and assist them with their programs. Keep them active. Send a donation of $5.00 or more if possible to Jr. Girls Scholarship fund, at Dept. Headquarters and earmark as such. New for Jr. Girls is the “JUMP” program (Junior Unit Merit Program) the girls can now earn digital badges in recognition of what they do. See the www.ladiesauxvfw.org for more info.

YOUNG AMERICAN CREATIVE PATRIOTIC ART

The Patriotic Art Competition is open to 9^th - 12th grade students who are enrolled in public, private,
parochial or a home-study program in Texas. The artwork must be something patriotic. If the American Flag is used in the entry - it must comply with the Federal Flag Code. Entry must have been completed during the 2011·2012 school year. Application, rules and guidelines are available at www.ladiesauxvfw.org. Student deadline: March 31, 2012 to Auxiliary. Auxiliary winner must be sent to Department Chairman by April 15, 2012.

GIRL SCOUT-BRONZE-SILVER-GOLD AWARDS

Girl Scouts can be recognized with award citations for their achievements. Citations may be requested from Department Headquarters free of charge. Contact your local Girl Scout Council for those eligible to receive these awards at www.girlscouts.org/councilfinder.

AWARDS

1. Plaque to the Auxiliary in each membership division with the BEST Youth Supporting Our Troops. Certificate for Runner-up.

2. Plaque to the Auxiliary in each membership division with the BEST Youth Activities program. Certificate for Runner-up.

3. Plaque to the Auxiliary sponsoring the First Place Patriotic Art at Department level. Certificate for Runner-up.

Remember a project must be conducted during the calendar year of July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012.
Approval must be given by the members during a general Auxiliary meeting to start a project.  

“Step Up- Never Leave A Veteran Behind”