The Peotone American Legion Auxiliary is one of those hardworking organizations that make immeasurable contributions to the community but never make an issue of it.
The 85-member group has installed its 2026-27 officers and is ready for another year of events and projects.
Newly installed are Ann Nagel, president; Elizabeth Ann Hetzer, vice president; Dawn Ladislas, secretary; Paula Prium, treasurer; Kathy Daney, Sergeant-at-Arms; and Carrie Wick, chaplain.
“Our focus for the past year has been our servicemen and women and the community,” Nagel said.
“We created and distributed 65 boxes to the shut-ins of the community and the lady veterans at the Manteno Veterans Home. We supplied ‘Entertainment Funding’ to both the men and women veterans at the home. Their ‘Extra Curricular’ funding was cut, and we stepped up to help them, so they continue to take their trips to the box stores or have entertainment come to the home for their enjoyment.
“We are currently collecting items to be sent to a serviceman and his platoon that is stationed in Texas and will be shipped out soon.
“Starting the second Saturday in October, the American Legion Post 392 will once again be offering their Fish Fry from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. We offer a free meal to the veterans who come from the Manteno Veterans Home. They are bused in and we give them a complete meal, with a homemade dessert and a complimentary drink.
“We have our ongoing Bingo nights every Wednesday, with our doors opening up at 4 p.m. and the Early Bird game starting at 6:10 p.m. Regular Bingo starts at 6:30 p.m.”
In addition to Nagel, both Treasurer Paula Prium and Chaplain Carrie Wick are incumbent officers returning for another term.
“I love this job,” Nagel said.
“It has many rewards. I love best that we all can work together on a project. I work with the greatest bunch of women you could hope for. There are 85 women in this organization. When a project arises, they roll up their sleeves and jump in to get the job done.
“From contributing to purchasing items for the boxes for shut-ins, to delivering them to the recipients, to getting out and collecting funds for the Poppies made by our veterans, to assisting with Bingo, Cash Bashes, funeral luncheons, Fish Frys and everything in between. We also vote on many projects and funding for the Manteno Veterans Home as well.
“We have sponsorships with the Peotone Historical Society and support them with their Fall Fest.
‘We are also a member of the Peotone Chamber of Commerce. We assist with various community projects and other veteran groups such as Adopt Soldier and K-9 Veteran groups.
“We are always busy, and ready to help those in need. It is the best organization I ever had the pleasure of belonging to.
“But I look forward to when someone else wants to become president,” she admitted.
“I would work with them, helping when reports needed to be sent, attending department meetings and whatever other duties they would need help with. You need to be here for each meeting held. We have our meetings on the fourth Monday of every other month; January, March, May, July, September and November.
“We recently celebrated 100 years of service to the servicemen and women, veterans and the Peotone community in September 2025,” Nagel said.
“We are always looking for members to keep our organization going. We are proud to be able to assist those in need. We provide scholarships to a deserving graduate, we assist the community needs when warranted, we assist with funding of the many organizations within the community, which also includes volunteering our time to the cause. We collect donations prior to Memorial Day ceremonies and have an annual coloring and essay contest for students in the area. We are ready to assist those in need, and we serve wholeheartedly to our servicemen and women and to our veterans in the area.
“To be a member, your spouse needs to be a serviceman or woman, hence why now men can join the auxiliary. Also, if your father or grandfather or mother is or was in the service. Also, a grandparent, mother, sister, direct/adopted descendant of someone who served during specific war eras (April 6, 1917, to Nov 11, 1918, or any time after December 7, 1941) or is a current American Legion member.
“You will need the name of the descendant, and the war they fought. This applies to deceased members of your family as well. If they are a current member of the American Legion, we would need their membership number.”
Contact Ann Marie Nagel, at 708-565-0017, for more information.