Department of Wisconsin Unit Member of the Year Announced
For the City Times
Submitted by Lorrie Barber, American Legion Auxiliary
As units, we often struggle to find members that are full of energy and great ideas, willing to donate time out of their busy schedules, are well connected to the community, and dedicated to serving veterans and military families despite having their own families to manage. Our unit has been blessed with several members of this caliber, but one of our members has been chosen by Department of Wisconsin American Legion Auxiliary as Unit Member of the Year. Gina Tepp has been a member of Berens-Scribner Unit 6 Stevens Point since 2012 and immediately started sharing her skills with our unit.
Gina has been an important piece in several of our annual activities. She organizes and executes our National Education week event, honoring local teachers. This year she organized a continental breakfast for the teachers and staff at a local Junior High. She not only delivered the breakfast, but she also created a display highlighting the American Legion Auxiliary and our impact on the community. Grateful teachers gave public recognition on Facebook, which increased our social media exposure.
Each winter, Unit 6 hosts a Bowling for Veterans event that brings significant income to our veterans assistance funds. Gina took charge of marketing and public relations for the event. She worked with a local printer to maximize our marketing efforts, contacted local schools to encourage youth participation, and worked with local businesses to bring in donations and bowlers to the event. With Gina’s help, our 2018 event was the most successful event we’ve had in the 12-year history.
Gina is a true ambassador for the American Legion Auxiliary. She carries out our mission daily and has helped increase our presence in our local community. She spends the time to talk to local school officials to spread awareness of the ALA and how we impact not only veterans and military families, but the children and youth of our community. Gina has personally contacted many businesses, not only asking for donations, but encouraging them to involve their employees in our events. Stevens Point no longer has a physical American Legion Post building, many people in the community have forgotten about our mighty organization. Gina has played a key role in increasing our Units visibility and credibility in this community.
Gina also understand the importance of the American Legion Family. She has served on the Board of Directors of the Post 6 American Legion Baseball Team. She has helped to increase the communication between our post and our unit and encouraged members and the community to support Legion Baseball.
The unit is extremely thankful for Gina and her consistent willingness to step up. She always follows through on her commitments and is an excellent example of how busy, working mothers can make big contributions to our organization. Gina is a model of Service, Not Self and we are proud to have her as a unit member and sister in the American Legion Auxiliary.