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Attempt to revitalize the Legion auxiliary Members sought for veteran's group

The Spectator - 11/22/2017

SWANSEA - Efforts are being made to revitalize the Swansea American Legion Post 303 Auxiliary as they continue to work to raise funds for veterans and their families.

The auxiliary has had a long history, but found itself reduced to a few members before Pamela (Dolin) Dias and Diane Kelly worked at bringing it back.

Dias, who now lives in Westport, is the daughter of veteran Billy Dolin.

"I was born and raised in Swansea and I remember the work of the auxiliary," Dias said, "Jackie Bernier was the treasurer and when she became ill, her husband Leo asked if I would step in."

"When I started the auxiliary had five other people and they were all the their 80's," she added. "Diane an I are trying to get it back up and running again."

The auxiliary now has 16 senior members (18 and over) and four junior members (up to 18 years old).

"We do fundraisers to help veterans in need and for scholarships," she noted. "We have gone to the VA Hospital in Brockton."

She noted that the Auxiliary in the past put on Christmas parties and other events.

"The auxiliary assists with the other efforts of the American Legion," she said.

Dias pointed out that to be eligible for the auxiliary a person has to have a direct relative such as a husband, brother, sister, grandparent, son or daughter who served in the military during active years. Her husband Anthony is currently the Department Vice Commander in the state. Along with her husband and father, Dias has two sons who have served in the military.

She has served as historian for the district as well as the state and has been chaplain for the state American Legion Auxiliary.

"I like to help in a positive way," Dias said, "I learned from my mother (Mary Dolin)."

She would like to get as many people interested in the Auxiliary as she can.

"The more we have the better," Dias said, "We are looking to fill a full slate of officers."

Dias can be reached at pamdias57@yahoo.com or on the Real Swansea Facebook page.