Mary Lanphere was elected AMVETS National Ladies Auxiliary President on August 23, 2025, at the 79^th Annual National Convention held in Greensboro, North Carolina.

She joined the Ladies Auxiliary in 1997, becoming a Life member shortly after. Mary has held all offices on the Local and Department levels. She was elected and served as Department of New York President in 2007-08.  Her theme at that time, “Protecting Those That Protected Us.”  Currently she is Treasurer and Americanism Officer in her Local Auxiliary.

On the National level, Mary served as Chaplain for 3 yrs, progressing to Americanism Officer, Third, Second, and First Vice President.  She has served on various committees within the organization.  Mary has participated in LAW (Legislative Action Week), joining with others to speak with elected officials about problems affecting our Veterans.

Mary believes giving of oneself to help others is one of the best gifts you can do for one another.  She loves to help with fundraisers, especially being in the kitchen cooking.  A substantial amount of money was raised two years ago to help save the USS Sullivan which fell into disrepair and was in danger of sinking.  She also served on the Board of Directors for a non-profit called “Share A Dream”. This was an annual event and raised thousands of dollars to benefit such charities as Hunter’s Hope, St Jude, Shriners and Buffalo Children’s Hospital.  It included a day of fun for the child and family, providing a caravan ride in a semi-truck, many that came from all over the US. Mary is one of the founders of a musical group that entertained in nursing homes, conventions, and Veterans homes.

Membership is encouraged in the AMVETS family, especially since AMVETS is “all inclusive”, with an honorable discharge. Membership is the key to our survival and loves to see younger individuals joining with new energy and ideas.

Mary is a retired nurse, the last 27 years of her career working at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center.  She had daily contact with Veterans and their families and became fully aware of problems affecting them mentally and physically.

Her eligibility comes from her husband, James (Frito), who served from 1961 – 1967 in the United States Marine Corps.  Mary’s grandfather served in WWI, losing a limb while fighting on the Hindenburg Line. Two grandchildren have served in the US Army and Army Reserves. She remembers growing up very poor, having two Marines coming to the door delivering items for Christmas. One looked around and said, “I wish it could be more.” “I was impressed with the handsome uniforms, even married a Marine.”

Mary’s theme this year is “Standing With Our Heroes.”  Her project, “Tunnels to Towers” (T2T), where 93 cents of every dollar donated is used to benefit our Nation’s heroes.  If they lose their life in the line of duty, and leave a family behind, T2T will pay off their mortgage.  If they are catastrophically injured, a smart home will be built, or their home revamped to accommodate the disability.  Independence is important to everyone.  T2T is also working to eradicate Veteran homelessness by buying and beautifully remodeling hotels, providing stable housing, and providing services that Veterans need.

Mary looks forward to traveling across this beautiful Country and meeting the hard-working individuals that provide so many positive things for the benefit of others, promoting her project and the programs of AMVETS National Ladies Auxiliary.

For more information, contact AMVETS National Ladies Auxiliary Headquarters (301) 459-6255.