Above: Carol Olsen, Auxiliary president, Vernell Anderson, Postal Clerk and Fran Reese, grandmother of Paul Reese II, are shown as the packages of Pocket Flags are being shipped. The American Legion Auxiliary Unit #70 of Staples held their annual Christmas party Dec. 7 at the First International Bank Annex. Twenty-one members attended.

During the business portion, Joan Hamann and Fran Reese were welcomed as new members. Money donated by the members, was presented to the Staples Food Shelf Director, Fran Mertens by Auxiliary Treasurer, Doreen Scott. After enjoying a potluck meal, dirty bingo was played.

Another important project of the Auxiliary was carried out Dec. 9 with the shipment of 30 Pocket Flags. These flags were sent to SPC Paul LF Reese II, for his Unit stationed in Iraq

There were also 250 pocket flags send to Dean Nelsen, a pilot for Blackwater Aviation. Nelsen, a Staples native, and his crew deliver the flags to troops on the ground in Afghanistan during regular air-drops of supplies the crew drop several times a week.

Right: Doreen Scott presents a donation to Fran Mertens for the Staples Food Shelf.