By LAAH TUCKER
Special to the Hays Post
NATOMA — Blazing trails with perseverance are the women of the Natoma American Legion Auxiliary Unit 109.
On the Kansas High Plains, a small but mighty group of women continue to hold up the American ideals in supporting the common good for active military, veterans, children, youth and community.
In celebrating Women’s History Month, the Natoma Auxiliary gathered to remember their descendants who carried the torch during wars, conflicts and peace times.
From the Women’s Land Army during WWI through WWII, Vietnam War, Gulf War, Iraq, and Afghanistan, women cried “We Can Do It” in keeping the home fires burning, farms producing, and industries moving while many others served in the Army Air Corp, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, and later, in the Air Force.
During the Natoma women’s celebration, the history of Corporal Bonnie Gosser Wyatt, a local WWII Women’s Air Corp veteran, was presented.
Following WWII, Wyatt was assigned to a German orphanage near Frankfurt where 100 children were being cared for.
Across Europe children were malnourished, disabled and ill from diseases. The United States' generosity provided funds for thousands of orphans in hundreds of orphanages across Europe during the reconstruction.
Wyatt’s story is one of many American women, including the Natoma Auxiliary, who are dedicated in serving God and their country.
The Natoma Unit 109 continues in 22 annual projects including the archiving of veterans from the Revolutionary War to the present time at six rural cemeteries in Osborne and Russell Counties, and the Natoma City Cemetery.
On March 25, a local Vietnam Veteran and Lions Club Member, David George, will be remembered during the annual community-wide pancake supper in the Natoma Community Center.
The American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary will join the Natoma Lions Club for the event.
For information, contact Shawna Dunlap, American Legion Auxiliary and Lions Club, 785-885-4478.