QUIETLY SUPPORTING OUR HONOR GUARD OVER THE YEARS: MILLE LACS BAND LADIES AUXILIARY
A beautiful stone monument was donated to the Mille Lacs Band by the Mille Lacs Reservation AMVETS Post 53 to honor veterans. This monument gives all who pass by the opportunity to reflect on the service of the men and women who have served in the military. Names are engraved in the stone for eternity. The engraved names are flanked by plaques dedicated to Band member veterans of World Wars I and II respectfully dedicated in 1948, and in honor of the men and women from Mille Lacs Indian Reservation who faithfully served their country respectfully dedicated in 1998."
By Maajiitaaziibikwe Mary Sam
Mille Lacs Band women have served as members of the Minnesota Auxiliary to Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States since 1994. Historically the organization was made up of mostly women: wives, partners, aunties, sisters, and daughters of those who served. In 1994, the late Kenny Weyaus, AMVETS Post 53 Commander, encouraged and assisted the late Beatrice Mitchell to work with the Little Falls AMVETS Chapter to start a local Mille Lacs Band AMVETS Auxiliary chapter in District I.
The AMVETS Post 53 was started about the same time, said current MLB Auxiliary President Bette Sam. “Supporting those who enlisted, served, those coming home from duty, and their families, needed to know that we are there to support them.” According to Tony Pike, Commander of the MLB Color Guard, his organization stepped away from AMVETS in recent years, so the women’s group followed and renamed itself the Mille Lacs Band Ladies Auxiliary, for which Bette still serves as President.
Commander Tony Pike noted that the “MLB Honor Guard is much broader than the role of AMVETS, and paperwork required to be a part of the organization conflicted with our broader needs and purpose.” The Honor Guard is currently exploring partnerships with the Garrison VFW and the Onamia Legion. The collaboration and support from the Ladies Auxiliary have been invaluable over the years and will continue.
Long-time President Bette Sam lights up with pride, noting that the Ladies Auxiliary made a local impact. The group met monthly, sharing a meal together, brainstorming ways to support enlistees, their families and those returning home from duty, and trying to educate and be visible in the community. Bette noted “We tried to build relationships with the white community and teach them about us and how so many of our relatives served in wartime and other duties.” Past activities included:
• Hosting lunches and dinners for members and their families
• For many years, they participated in local city parades (Onamia, Isle, Brainerd, and Aitkin) and each year still participates in the annual MLB Powwow parade
• Made donations to local school powwows, kids' graduation programs and at one time created a scholarship to recognize a high-achieving Mille Lacs Band member high school graduate
• Provided hats and mittens to local schools
• Donated dollars for flags
• Helped start and support the annual Memorial Weekend Powwow held at the Trading Post, scheduled for Monday, 5/27/2024, noon to 5 p.m.
• Helped raise funds towards a veteran’s monument in 1998
This is a volunteer organization, who needs to fundraise to host activities. Over time and with the passing of legendary women who gave so much of their time to this organization, Bette’s team of 20 or so members has decreased to just a handful. Bette said, “With new fundraising policies, we needed to stop doing some of the things we enjoyed doing that helped many of our relatives.” Bette has so many questions about this new generation. How many our young ones really understand volunteering, the need for supporting those who are or have served, and wonder if volunteering and honoring those who served if this a thing of the past? “We get together now and then, but we no longer have a budget or community interest. Younger women just never were interested in this organization or supporting our veterans.” Again, lighting up, she shared the memories of good experiences like reporting to the national headquarters in Washington, and haveing fun times with Kenny, Bea, Debbie, Doreen, Diane, Mary and Dave, Darlene, Deloris, Juanita, Joni, Sherry, Cheryl, Allen, Tony, and many others.
Like Bette, Tony noted some changes over the years. The COVID-19 pandemic created a decline in our community wanting to serve. Years ago, the military used to be a source of income and opportunity for so many of our relatives. “Now, with per-cap, many don’t need the extra funding like they once did — those were tough times.” Young people are no longer needing that ‘out’ or looking at this through the lens of defending our country, or receiving life-long training; earning money while achieving the training skills. “For me, the military changed my life. I needed and make a 180-degree change.”
Commander Pike is concerned about who will take over when we are no longer here, who will lead the Honor Guard, and who will remind the next generation about why it is important to serve this country. “I am worried about this for us and for our community.”
This Memorial Day, keep in mind there are those who need our support. The Ladies Auxiliary and Color Guard would be happy to visit with you, share stories, or answer questions. Come visit the Memorial Day Powwow from 12 to 5 p.m. at the Trading Post.
