Vicki Lynn named Illinois American Legion Auxiliary Unit Member of The Year

Vicki Lynn has remained a consistently active member of the Rockton American Legion, Unit 332. As a result of years of hard work and dedication, Lynn was chosen as the “Unit Member of the Year” for the State of Illinois.

Lynn was nominated by her unit. A panel of five judges chose Lynn as the winner out of four finalists. Lynn was presented with a certificate at the State American Legion Conference in Springfield on Friday, July 11, 2025.

American Legion Auxiliary President Nicole Walker said, “Vicki exemplifies the motto of 'Service Not Self.' She is the first to raise her hand when a volunteer is needed. She not only makes an event meaningful, but fun. She is a wonderful person and is very deserving of this award.”

Walker adds, "When we decided to nominate Vicki. I had asked members to send me adjectives to write a narrative to describe her outstanding attitude to always be helpful and kind, but also to bring humor to many situations. It was fun writing her narrative , interweaving the words given to me by all unit members. She is truly loved and appreciated by everyone in the Rockton American Legion Auxiliary."

Lynn joined the Auxiliary in October 2017 after her husband Gene, who has been a member of the American Legion for 58 years, had transferred his membership back to the Rockton Post.

Lynn reflects, “I joined because my husband had been a member for so long, and was curious what the Auxiliary did. I found our local Unit #332 Auxiliary to be full of energetic and passionate women working to better the lives of our local veterans and active duty military families.”

Lynn served as President of the Unit #332 Rockton Auxiliary for the 2021-22 and 2022-23 years. She has been the Secretary for the past two years, 2023-24 and 2024-25, always producing precise minutes of each meeting.

When Lynn first started, she was Sgt. at Arms for the 2018-19 year. The Sgt. At Arms is asked to keep order in meetings and escort special guests into the meeting room.

After serving in that capacity, she was asked to assist the Membership Chairman who was going to be out of state for the winter of 2019.

The Junior Vice President role was created by a change in the State Bylaws in 2020 where that role would handle membership. The Junior Vice President collects and processes memberships sent to our State office, and also contacts members with reminders to pay their dues.

Lynn was elected to Junior Vice President for the 2020-21 year.

The Auxiliary takes part in and hosts different events year round, and Lynn has remained front and center, lending a hand in each one.

“I don’t think there are many events that I haven’t participated in for the Auxiliary here in Rockton,” Lynn said.

“I chaired the Little Black Dress fundraising dinner and dance for two years but the event in 2020 had to be canceled because of everything being shut down.”

Lynn also worked on the committee for last year's Murder Mystery dinner fundraiser. Additionally, she has shopped for and delivered grocery items for the Old Stone Church Food Pantry in Rockton.

Lynn shopped to support the delivery of holiday gifts to our Lady Veterans living at the LaSalle Veterans Home, and has delivered school supplies generously donated by our local Auxiliary and Post members to the Rockton School District.

Lynn also helped with planning and volunteering at the Post’s annual Children’s Christmas Party for American Legion Family member’s children and grandchildren. Lynn also donates her time to work during meat raffles.

She has volunteered her time to hand out poppies during “Poppy Days.” She also takes on various duties during the annual American Legion Corn Boil and at Veterans Day dinners.

Lynn has participated in most every parade, where the Legion starts off the action.

“I think I've only missed maybe one parade over the years. There have been some hot days marching in those parades,” Lynn said.

Beyond the wall of the Legion, Lynn was asked to speak at the Rockton Women’s Club where she educated the club on the mission of the Auxiliary.

Lynn has been asked to be the installing officer for the Auxiliary's new incoming President Kirsten Mancl, “I am honored to have been asked by Kirsten for this opportunity to install all of our new 2025-26 officers,” Lynn said.

Mancl said this of Lynn, “Vicki's dedication to the Rockton American Legion shines through her volunteering. Whether she is volunteering with a meat raffle, walking behind Legionaries in the parades, or helping with the kids Christmas party she always has a smile on her face. Her smile is contagious!”

Lynn said, “Being selected as the State of Illinois Unit Member of the Year was a complete surprise to me, but I am so honored to have received the award. I am so appreciative for all the members of Unit #332 who nominated me because there are so many women who deserve this same recognition.”

Lynn adds, “Working with the ladies in the Auxiliary is an honor. I have asked that the plaque I received be hung in our Post’s clubroom because it is for all members
of our Auxiliary to share in this recognition. I would also encourage anyone reading this article to reach out to our local Post and get more information if they're interested.”