By Ike Hall, Contributing Writer
Saturday night at the Anchors Catering and Conference Center, Voice and Viewpoint had the opportunity to attend a wonderful gala. The Lakiba Palmer American Legion Auxiliary Unit 310 was celebrating their 91st anniversary.
For those not familiar, the American Legion Auxiliary is a civilian organization that serves, supports, and enhances the American Legion. In tandem, these organizations advocate for veterans, educate citizens, mentor youth, and promote patriotism and peace.
Unit 310 is one of the only units of color in the entire state of California and the first ALA charter named after a Black woman. The unit carries the name of San Diego native Seaman Lakiba Palmer, who was tragically killed in 2000 during the attack on the U.S.S. Cole in Yemen.
The 91st anniversary marked a special moment in time for this unit. The night began with an official declaration from San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, proclaiming November 15th as American Legion Auxiliary Unit 310 Day. On hand to do the honors was Ms. Chida Warren-Darby, Director of Boards and Commissions for the City of San Diego to present the award to Mrs. Margaretta Hickman, President of Unit 310.
But behind every milestone are challenges, past and present. Since 2021, the unit has been without a permanent brick-and-mortar location due to building reconstruction.
“I prefer to say under-housed, not homeless,” quipped the organization’s president with an endearing grin.
With nearly 30 years of involvement with Unit 310, and her second term as President, Mrs. Hickman carries a heart and presence that gently pulls the entire room toward her.
“Despite the adversity, we have continued to serve our veterans to the best of our ability,” Mrs. Hickman said.
That statement was echoed moments later when District 22 Auxiliary President Linda Sundberg addressed the audience. Not only is Unit 310 the only unit of color in District 22, they are one of the strongest performing in California in terms of fundraising and community outreach. Today, the unit includes 163 members who work across six major programs: Poppies, Legislative, Americanism, Children and Youth, Education, and Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation. Poppies refers to symbolic flowers sold to honor veterans, especially during designated remembrance days.
When asked which programs she felt were the highlight of the year, Mrs. Hickman mentioned their youth mentoring and fundraising initiatives and their VA hospital visit programs specifically.
After 91 years of faithful service to the Veterans of San Diego Unit 31 is moving forward as they continue to serve in the Spirit of Service and not Self.