Top Legion Auxiliary Member Is West Hartford Woman

WEST HARTFORD, CT — A local resident has been chosen as Connecticut's top American Legion Auxiliary member for her dedication to veterans causes.

West Hartford native Elaine Kotler has been named the Connecticut American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) 2022 “Unit Member of the Year.”

The award was announced at the ALA Department of Connecticut Convention this July.
Kotler, who was nominated by her ALA Unit 96 Hayes-Velhage of West Hartford, joined the ALA Unit 96 in early 2021 and currently serves as unit historian and is active in many ALA projects.

She was featured in the national ALA Magazine in November 2021 for her “Why I Joined the ALA” story.

Kotler was recruited by Patrick Harrell, Past Post Commander of American Legion Hayes-Velhage Post 96, for her “spirit, patriotism, and enthusiasm.”

Since joining ALA, she has gained a reputation in West Hartford, where she resides, as the one “dressed all in poppies.”

She could be seen every weekend in May in West Hartford Center and during Celebrate West Hartford distributing poppies, Poppy Day coloring books and American flags.

Her efforts were to raise awareness of Poppy Day, the last Friday in May, a day to honor the fallen and support the living who have worn our nation's uniform.

Donations collected during the Poppy Drive help support veterans and active-duty military, their families and the community.

Kotler is a science teacher, both in middle school and as an adjunct professor at Manchester Community College.

Kotler annually prepares and delivers lessons to raise awareness and the meaning of Veterans Day, Memorial Day, Poppy Day and Flag Day, as well as the proper etiquette for reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

Along with her lessons, she has involved her students in projects to support veterans and active military, such as sending Valentine’s cards and treats to the CT National Guard while being deployed overseas and for local veterans at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Newington.

The ALA does community service projects and promotes Americanism and government. For more information or to join, go to: www.ALAforveterans.org and select "auxiliary," or jeanneberry@comcast.net.

The American Legion Post 96 of West Hartford has been serving veterans and the community since 1922 and is open to all military veterans who have served honorably and military personnel currently on active duty.

Further information is available by contacting the Post at: Hayes-Velhage Post 96 ; PO Box 370160, West Hartford, CT. 06137-0160. Or people can click on this link.