Washington’s Ladies Auxiliary President Diane Small of Oak Harbor was named Outstanding Department President of the Year for her membership group during the 98th National Convention of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) of the U.S. held Aug. 27 to Sept. 1 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas.

Small, who is a member of Whitehead-Muzzall Auxiliary 7392, was honored for her excellent leadership during the 2010-2011 year.

National President Cortina Barnes made the announcement at a special luncheon, presenting awards to the two top department presidents from each of the organization’s 11 membership groups.

Other highlights include the opportunity for members to view the eight winning Young American Creative Patriotic Art entries and the Buddy Poppy displays in addition to attending several joint events with the VFW.

Barnes commended the 3,000 attendees for all their hard work in honoring veterans and supporting deployed military personnel and their families. Members have spent millions of dollars and volunteer hours helping the heroes of our country.

The election and installation of National President Gwen Rankin, a Life Member of Mission Santa Clara Auxiliary 3982, and the other 2011-2012 national officers concluded the convention and brought Barnes’ term to an end.

To learn more about the 520,000-member organization, visit www.ladiesauxvfw.org.