Unit Member of the Year recipients were recognized Sept. 1 on stage at the American Legion Auxilliary’s 105th National Convention in Louisville, Ky.
The American Legion Auxiliary Unit Member of the Year Award recognizes those serving at the unit level who exemplify the values and ideals of the Auxiliary and whose accomplishments significantly impact the program work in their units.
“The American Legion Auxiliary’s Unit Members of the Year are nominated by their peers as the perfect example of a passionate, dedicated grassroots member who significantly impacts unit programs and embodies the organization’s values,” said 2025-2026 National Leadership Committee Chair Donna Dillard.
2026 ALA Unit Member of the Year Recipients:
Alabama: Judi Wheat; Alaska: Clair Sullivan; Arizona: Carol Stant; Arkansas: Charlotte Guest; California: Alejandra Ross; Colorado: Christina Fredrich; Connecticut: Christina Heise; Delaware: Wanda Pierce; District of Columbia: Colleen Walsh; Florida: Kate Oyer; Georgia: Laurie Edwards; Idaho: Cora Lockie; Illinois: Michelle Brown; Indiana: Melanie Findley; Iowa: Jodie Kruid; Kansas: Kimberly Vincent; Kentucky: Arcelia Moore; Maine: Lisa Huestis; Massachusetts: Theresa Rogers; Maryland: Mary Rose Schoppert; Michigan: Kathleen Edwards; Minnesota: Sheryl Stoltman; Mississippi: Jackie Sibley; Missouri: Brenda Williams; Montana: Carol Keats; Nebraska: Alvertus Jones; Nevada: Bonnie Beaning; New Hampshire: Marcia Merrow; New York: Cher Mackiewicz; North Carolina: Leilani Fallon-Gordon; North Dakota: Elaine Lange; Ohio: Mariane Borrelli; Oklahoma: Helen Lawrence-Phillips; Oregon: Tamera Martin; Pennsylvania: Paulette Evans-Gates; Puerto Rico: Evangeline Soto; Rhode Island: Lynn Stephen; South Carolina: Bailey Kennington; South Dakota: Jessica Kusser; Texas: Karen Fisher; Utah: Mary Speirs; Vermont: Michelle Bryant; Virginia: Fayth Heath; Washington: Sandie St. Onge; West Virginia: Sue Sager; Wisconsin: Christine Van Ryzin; Wyoming: Tione Willox. (Note: Not all American Legion Auxiliary states submitted names for this award.)
“Leadership has always been a passion of mine because I truly believe the future of this organization depends on how well we guide and support those coming up behind us,” said 2025-2026 ALA National President Pam Ray from the stage as she congratulated the winners.
Learn more about the ALA Unit Member of the Year Award here. Recognition of the recipients annually occurs at the American Legion Auxiliary’s National Convention. The application deadline is June 1 of each calendar year.
In the spirit of Service, Not Self, the mission of the American Legion Auxiliary is to support The American Legion and to honor the sacrifice of those who serve by enhancing the lives of our veterans, military, and their families, both at home and abroad. For God and Country, we advocate for veterans, educate our citizens, mentor youth, and promote patriotism, good citizenship, peace and security.
