The Ladysmith Legion — Royal Canadian Legion Branch 171 — swore in its new executive Sunday, June 30, said Diane West, the Legion’s new office manager.
Gary Phillips succeeded Roy Empey as president, while Kevin O’Neill and Douglas Hawkins stepped into their respective roles as First and Second Vice-Presidents.
Karen Graczyk was named as the Legion’s new Poppy Chair, Naomi Nakahara was sworn is as Service Officer, and Jeanne Seney was selected as branch’s new Sergeant at Arms.
Rounding out the Legion’s executive are Jim Parks, Barb Martin, Violet Mortenson and Corinne Lauder, supervisor of the Legion’s youth program.
West said there have been no major changes to the Legion’s programs or priorities under the guidance of a new executive council, adding that they’re focusing on “helping out the community and our Vets.”
In other Legion-related news, two executive members of the Ladies Auxiliary were awarded Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medals May 26.
President Loretta Schoonarts and Secretary-Treasurer Irene Telford received their medals at a conference hosted by BC-Yukon Command in Whistler, B.C., Telford said.