THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Thursday, February 9, 1995             TAG: 9502070098
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS          PAGE: 09   EDITION: FINAL 
SOURCE: BY JOAN C. STANUS, STAFF WRITER 
                                             LENGTH: Short :   48 lines

NATIONAL PRESIDENT OF VFW AUXILIARY TO SPEAK AT EVENTS

The national president of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars will visit Norfolk and Virginia Beach on Tuesday and Wednesday to rally some 1,000 area members and commemorate veterans in two special ceremonies.

Helen Harsh, a Lancaster, Pa., resident, also will speak to VFW auxiliary members in Hampton Roads at a 6 p.m. public reception and banquet Wednesday. It will be held at VFW Post 4809, which is located at 5728 Bartee Street near Military Circle Mall in Norfolk.

During the event, the national president will address the auxiliary's national efforts in raising nearly $3 million for treating cancer and supporting medical research. She also will speak on other community projects the auxiliary undertakes across the country to promote patriotism. The banquet is free, but reservations are required.

On the first day of her visit, Harsh will tour the hospice unit at the Veteran's Administration Hospital in Hampton. The unit, a project supported by the auxiliary, is one of only a handful of similar facilities at VA hospitals throughout the country.

On Wednesday morning, the national president will lay wreaths at the MacArthur Memorial in Norfolk and at the Eternal Flame at Oceana Naval Air Station in Virginia Beach in honor of area veterans. Norfolk and Virginia Beach mayors have proclaimed Feb. 15 as VFW Auxiliary Day in their cities.

``It's a real honor to have the president visit us, because she only visits one city in each state each year,'' explained Gloria Klinefelter, an auxiliary member from Chesapeake who is heading the committee that is coordinating Harsh's visit. ``This is really a recognition for a job well done for area members.''

A grandmother of four, Harsh is the widow of a World War II veteran. She oversees the work of thousands of auxiliary members throughout the country.

In Norfolk, Portsmouth and Virginia Beach, about 1,020 women belong to auxiliaries at seven VFW posts.

Those interested in attending any of the auxiliary events should contact Klinefelter at 424-5962. ILLUSTRATION: Photo

Helen Harsh

VFW Ladies Auxiliary national president

by CNB