Hillman VFW Auxiliary 2356 met at 6 p.m. on Nov. 5, with the meeting called to order by President Tom Brown and 13 members in attendance. Two new members were voted in: Darlene Adas of Millersburg and Autumn Allen of Johannesburg. These members were members at large. The group was blessed with another member at large, Lola Kuivinen. The group welcomed those ladies to their “awesome” auxiliary.

The auxiliary meets at 6 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month at the VFW Post 2356 in Hillman. Please contact Judi Brown at 989-742-2236, if you would like to join or to see if you qualify.

“We are a great working auxiliary and do many good things for our veterans,” Brown said.

The auxiliary is hosting its “adopt a vet” for this holiday season. The criteria for choosing a vet is very strict but this man more than met that expectation. He has been going through tough times for a while now and has a special needs son.

The group appreciates the following people for their donations to this man and his son: Lisa Ferguson at A1 Woods and Waters, Merridy Lewis, Gary and Charlene Bahrke, Tom and Judi for their donation, Kaye LaCross, Jackie Borsick and to Alexis Young. Due to privacy the auxiliary is not posting this man’s name. The group was able to get them coats, gloves, boots and clothing along with food and gift cards for food at a local food store. The group has also collected a sum on money for his gas and electric bill.

The auxiliary’s Voice of Democracy, Patriot Pen and Teacher of the Year contests have come to an end and the winners have been named. The group calls all 33 Patriot Pen and 7 VOD and 1 Teacher of the Year winners. They will all be awarded at the VFW Auxiliary’s spring banquet following the Art contests.

Winners are:

¯ Patriot Pen: 1st place — Autumn Kayne Lis; 2nd Place — Ellah E. Dubaque; 3rd Place — Joslyn M. Edwards.

¯ Voice of Democracy: 1st place — Kera Nichols; 2nd place — Sierra Hamilton; 3rd place — Sasha Tadajeski.

¯ Teacher of the Year — Nikki Oswald.

The auxiliary is now accepting donations for the Christmas “Tree of Shining Light” for veterans. You may recognize your veteran loved one by purchasing a lighted bulb for $5 or an ornament with their name on it, branch of service and service date or heavenly date. These are flat ornaments and will be on display long after the tree comes down. Ornaments will be $6. Please make out checks to VFW Auxiliary 2356 and mail them to Judi Brown, 16960 Hayes Road Hillman, MI 49746.

Help make this tree shine. All names will be published in the Tribune and at the VFW Hall. All proceeds will go to the relief fund. This fund is how the group has helped many veterans this past year. The tree is located inside the VFW Hall. Stop by for Fish Fry from 4 to 7 p.m. on Fridays, and see this tree starting after Thanksgiving.