Lorry Runge has been chosen as American Legion Auxiliary Unit 44 Member of the year for 2026 by President Karen Prueter.
Runge has been an active member since 2001 when she and her husband, Ron, joined the American Legion. She participated in monthly meetings. In past years, she served as secretary; editor of the Wabeno Sylvan Post newsletter; managed the mailings and invitations for the bimonthly Legion social dinners, awards banquet and Thanksgiving Day dinner; and sent out press releases and photos to local newspapers for Legion and auxiliary events.
Runge participated in many events include working at Trump Lake Fish-o-ree, Legion gunless poultry shoots, raffle baskets, brat frys, cookie day at Wabeno Elementary School Appreciation Day, and the Memorial Day lunch. Runge attended conferences, marched in parades, was poppy chairwoman for several years and also distributed poppies.
In past years, Runge and her husband pitched in when the Legion refurnished the clubhouse, decorating for special occasions. Runge sent out We Care packages for active duty soldiers overseas and visited veterans at nursing homes.
Runge was named member of the year in 2009. In 2022, she took on the job as treasurer and membership chairwoman. She is retiring from the position 2026 but will continue helping the American Legion and Legion Auxiliary working at fundraisers, distributing poppies and wherever needed.
