The American Legion Auxiliary Unit Member of the Year Award recognizes those serving at the unit level who exemplify the values and ideals of the Auxiliary and whose accomplishments significantly impact the program work in their units.
 
Unit Member of the Year recipients were recognized Aug. 26 at the American Legion Auxiliary Luncheon at the ALA’s 104th National Convention in Tampa, Fla. 

Recipients felt humbled to be presented the award.

“I pretty much cried my eyes out,” said Charlene Lamprey, New Hampshire, when she found out she was UMOY for her state. “Very honored. You can’t put any kind of price on that. I’ve never looked for recognition — I just want to help.”

Lamprey’s favorite ALA program to work is Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation, which promotes programs, events, and services that assist and enhance the lives of veterans, their families, their caregivers, and their survivors, ensuring the best quality of life possible and the continuing honor of their memory.

2025 ALA Unit Member of the Year Recipients:
Alabama: Irene Starr; Alaska: Sandra Toenies; Arizona: Lisa Thaler; Arkansas: Mariette Flores; California: Susan “Susie Q” Mihaltan; Colorado: Audrey Quick; Delaware: Roberta Halle Bass; Florida: Debbie Nixon; Hawaii: Alicia Motomura; Idaho: Eileen Banholzer; Illinois: Vicki Lynn; Indiana: Eloise Passwater; Iowa: Kristi Bridges; Kansas: Debbie Holden-Plagmann; Kentucky: Michelle Warren; Maryland: Brenda Stonesifer; Minnesota: Tami Paul; Mississippi: Priscilla Carbo; Missouri: Ruby Steffens; Montana: Brenda Allison; Nebraska: Karen Cerny; Nevada: Penny Juoni; New Hampshire: Charlene Lamprey; New Jersey: Helen Vardaro; New Mexico: Linda Knull; New York: Julie Montello; North Dakota: Lynn Helm; Ohio: Rhonda Romine;  Oklahoma: Marilyn Hughey; Pennsylvania: Mary Hayslett; Puerto Rico: Gladys Bracero; Rhode Island: Darleen LaRose; South Carolina: Dawn Billeci; South Dakota: Sandra Durfee; Texas: Velois Vaughns; Utah: Lisa Nichols; Vermont: Donna Shaw; Virginia: Tracey Antley; Washington: Susan Baker; West Virginia: Theresa “Jane” Stepp; Wisconsin: Stephanie Benson. (Note: Not all American Legion Auxiliary states submitted names for this award.)

“I’m very happy and honored to feel so much love,” Lamprey said. “It will really push me through this next year. I’ll just keep doing what I do.”

The American Legion Auxiliary Luncheon was a chance to honor the dedication, service, and leadership of these unit members. 
 
“The heart of our organization beats strong through the dedication of our grassroots members,” said 2024-2025 American Legion Auxiliary National President Trish Ward. “As we look to the future, may we draw inspiration from the commitment and excellence of those we honor today.”
 
Learn more about the ALA Unit Member of the Year Award here. Recognition of the recipients annually occurs at the American Legion Auxiliary’s National Convention. The application deadline is June 1 of each calendar year.