VFW Auxiliary

VFW Auxiliary Member Recognized For Outstanding Work

Anna Ellingsworth's selfless acts of kindness, caring and patriotism are commendable. We are proud to call her our sister and friend.

Anna Ellingsworth, what an amazing woman! She has been a VFW Auxiliary member and volunteer since 1980, joining in Minnesota and later moving to Ormond Beach, Florida and transferring her membership to Daytona Post 1590. She married her sweetheart, Malyn Ellingsworth, an Army Sargent, who opened Anna’s world as they traveled from state to state and country to country, while Malyn served his country. Anna became a widow while she was still young and had to find a career to raise her young son. She found her calling as a schoolteacher and so her journey begins. Anna loved teaching, especially because she could combine her love of Americanism and teach patriotism throughout her career in the school system. She organized five schools in her local area spreading the word about our National writing and drawing contests, promoting the Scholarships and Youth Activities programs. Anna also has a passion for our Hospital Program. She has been a volunteer in the program for almost 20 years committing to over 4,000 hours of care to our veterans by giving of herself. She has delivered sandwiches, coffee, listened to their stories and always leaves them with a smile on their face.

Anna is still a very active member of her Auxiliary. Currently she is working with children at local schools, helping them create Valentine cards and gifts. She continues to promote Americanism and patriotism education about the American Flag. In our “Flag Folding Ceremony” she explains the 13 folds and continues her work by going to the VA Clinic and helping serve our veterans.

Anna has served in many positions over the course of her volunteerism. She has served as Auxiliary President, Sr. Vice President, Treasurer and in several Officer positions at the District level. She is currently serving as the Auxiliary Chaplain at her local VFW Auxiliary to Post 1590.

There are five Auxiliaries in Volusia:

• DeBary Post 8093

• DeLand Post 2380

• New Smyrna Beach Post 4250

• Daytona Beach Post 1590

• Port Orange Post 3282

• Additionally, in Flagler County, Palm Coast Post 8696

For more information about VFW Auxiliary visit out National website at https://vfwauxiliary.org/.

Karen Heikkila is the Historian Media Relations for District 19 in Daytona Beach. She is also Jr. Vice President, and Legislative Chairman. Karen's passion is to serve Veterans and their families, and our community.