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New London Post 7641 Auxiliary receives many VFW Awards of Excellence

By Virginia Ekstrand

Jul. 31, 2025 12:00 am

Auxiliary Circle of Excellence Award winners recognized at the Department Auxiliary Convention. Front row, from left: members Carolina 'Carol' Holmes, Dorine Lawrence #9662 Des Moines, President Dianna Klaus #7641 New London, President Ruth Bridge Rencher #6414 Riverside, President Beverly Benda #2561 Mount Pleasant, President Jane Knock #8797 Williamsburg with Department President Renee' M. Quinn. Back row: National Guard Janey Feher and Treasurer Ronda Bochmann #817 Boone. (Photo submitted)
Auxiliary Circle of Excellence Award winners recognized at the Department Auxiliary Convention. Front row, from left: members Carolina 'Carol' Holmes, Dorine Lawrence #9662 Des Moines, President Dianna Klaus #7641 New London, President Ruth Bridge Rencher #6414 Riverside, President Beverly Benda #2561 Mount Pleasant, President Jane Knock #8797 Williamsburg with Department President Renee' M. Quinn. Back row: National Guard Janey Feher and Treasurer Ronda Bochmann #817 Boone. (Photo submitted)

Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.

The VFW Iowa State convention was held June 28, 2025 in Des Moines. VFW 7641 Auxiliary members attending were Erma McDonald, Pam Pealer, Carol Hotop and Dianna Klaus. It was announced that award winners would be recognized in the August General Orders. Congratulations for a year of outstanding achievements were offered.

The New London Auxiliary brought home several awards for the 2024-2025 program. This hardworking group was recognized for its excellence with 10 achievement awards. The awards received are as follows:

  • Circle of Excellence-$25 citation
  • 1st place in Inspirational Buddy poppy contest-$10 citation. The display will be presented at the National Convention
  • Promotion on Facebook and social media
  • Participating in the most activities promoting VFW priority goals
  • Best promotion of Voice of Democracy, Patriots Pen, Patriotic Art, & 3D Art scholarships
  • Entries in Buddy Poppy wreath or display contests at District and Department Convention
  • Having a mentoring program- each 7641 members received the award
  • Citation for hosting or co-hosting an activity or event that promoted Veterans & Military Suicide prevention & awareness
  • Healthy Auxiliary tools & five essentials used with the CARE concept
  • An award for, “What Have You Done to Improve the auxiliary?”
President Dianna Klaus surrounded by all the awards highlights the creative poppy sculpture. It will go on to compete at the National Convention in the Inspirational category. (Virginia Ekstrand/New London Journal)
President Dianna Klaus surrounded by all the awards highlights the creative poppy sculpture. It will go on to compete at the National Convention in the Inspirational category. (Virginia Ekstrand/New London Journal)

The Circle of Excellence Award is given to the auxiliaries in Iowa that meet several criteria including 100% membership maintained, reports filed on time, audits filed each quarter, events with the VFW, Healthy Auxiliary points, officers attending district conventions, and officers bonded. It is quite an extensive list. VFW 7641 is very attentive to all the criteria.

The auxiliary has 59 members. Membership applications are available at the VFW or contact any member. The Auxiliary has gained five new members this year but also lost one to death. The VFW Post 7641 Auxiliary meets each second Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at 802 East McKinley.

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