Amy Stopyra was elected President of AMVETS National Ladies Auxiliary in August 2023 at the Wyndham Downtown Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In 1993 Amy joined AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania #224, and became a life member in 2007. On the Local level, Amy held positions of Sergeant-At-Arms, 3^rd Vice President, 2^nd Vice President, and President. On the Department level, she served as Sergeant-At-Arms, 3^rd Vice President, 2^nd Vice President, 1^st Vice President, and Department President.

Amy has served on numerous committees on the National Level, attended Auxiliary National Leadership Seminars in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and National Conventions. She held the position of National Sergeant-At-Arms for two years, National Hospital Officer, National 3^rd Vice President for two years, National 2^nd Vice President, and National 1^st Vice President.

Amy’s eligibility with AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary comes from her deceased grandfather, a Korean War Veteran who was a Life member of AMVETS. Amy is married to Joseph M Stopyra, and they have three daughters, Ivy, Joy, and Asheria, a son, Joseph and grandson, Liam.  Their children are active members of Junior AMVETS, serving in various offices. She is the daughter of the late Past National Sons of AMVETS Commander Richard S. “Dick” Mooney Jr.  Her mother, Deborah Beaston, is also an AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary Life Member and stepfather Elmer Beaston is a Sons of AMVETS Life member.

A small business owner of a family day care business, which she runs in her home with the help of her family when needed.  When she is not volunteering for AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary, Amy volunteers in her church, community, and mentors families with foster children, helping them navigate the ins and outs of being a foster parent.

Amy’s project during her term is the National Foster Parent Association (NFPA) Scholarship Donation Program.  Funds raised will support the NFPA Caregiver Scholarship Fund and the Youth Scholarships for Post Secondary Education Fund.  The Caregiver Scholarship Fund is used to send families to the yearly conference held in June, where families can take different seminars and learn many new things about what is happening and ever-changing in the world of foster care as well with the various legislation that is happening within the government. The Youth Scholarship for Post Secondary Education Fund is awarded for each of the following categories:

Foster Care – Youth          Kinship Care – Youth

Adoptive – Foster Youth          Resource Family – Biological Youth

Her theme is “Foster Connections.”  She chose this theme to encourage everyone to remember those children in the foster care system, their parents, and those who care for the foster children.  Also, “Foster Connections” has a double meaning. It can help Auxiliary members to support each other and grow by learning and making deeper connections as we work hard for our Veterans, communities, hospitals and for our children or wherever you spend time volunteering.  Remember, you are building a connection.

While National President, Amy will be traveling across the United States visiting Auxiliaries and promoting the National Foster Parent Association and the other National programs AMVETS Auxiliary supports. For further information please contact AMVETS National Ladies Auxiliary, 4647 Forbes Boulevard, Lanham, Maryland 20706, (301) 459-6255.