In an event from 2009, American Legion Post 160 Commander at the time, Ron Kazmkierczak, presents an award to Georgia Gerkin for her many years of faithful service to the American Legion Auxiliary.
By Carol Walker
Year after year residents of Hill City honor our country’s veterans by donating new gift items, eventually transported to the Michael J. Fitzmaurice State Veteran’s Home in Hot Springs and displayed at a little Christmas Shop. Those who live at the home are then given the opportunity to shop for gift items for family members. This program had its origin with the American Legion Auxiliary in Hill City under the watch of Georgia Gerkin, a resident of Hill City and a long time member and leader of the local auxiliary.
Keith Hayes, chaplain of the Hill City American Legion Post 160, said, “We know how involved Georgia was in the auxiliary over the years and we want the public to recognize her years of involvement.”
The Christmas Gift Shop has been near and dear to Gerkin’s heart, and she led the effort for many years. She said it was actually started by the Hot Springs Chapter of the Auxiliary, and then every unit in the area donated gift items to fill the shop. Since the Hill City Auxiliary has disbanded, the Hill City Senior Center has assumed responsibility for the program and gift items are donated under the auspices of the Hermosa American Legion Auxiliary.
“My mother enrolled my sister and me in the auxiliary during the war when my father was in the military, but when the war was over, I let my membership lapse. When Jack and I married, I enrolled again. He was in the Navy. I have had a continuous membership since 1950,” said Gerkin.
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