WASHINGTON   –  U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) expressed words of welcome for the National President of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S., Mrs. Dixie Hild, who will be the first National President to visit Cape Girardeau in more than 30 years on Friday, May 2.

“It’s a tremendous honor for Cape Girardeau to host the National President of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary.  We have an outstanding, extremely active veterans community in Cape Girardeau and throughout Southern Missouri, so President Hild’s visit is highly anticipated in our region,” Emerson said.  “Our servicemembers and their families undertake a difficult hardship to protect our freedoms, and organizations like the VFW Ladies Auxiliary are standing right behind them as a source of constant support and comfort.  It’s a special organization, and President Hild is an exceptional leader for it.”

Members of the 955th Army Reserve Unit, who returned home to Missouri from one year of overseas duty in Operation Iraqi Freedom at the end of March, will also be recognized at the event at the VFW Lakes on Saturday, May 2, from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m.

“While they serve our nation and after they take off the uniform, our soldiers and their families continue to be an inspiring example in Southern Missouri.  I’m very proud that the service of the 955th and the sacrifice of their families has earned the notice, recognition and respect of national organizations like the VFW Ladies Auxiliary,” Emerson said.