Contributed Photo: Department of Arizona American Legion Auxiliary President Rose Ficklin will visit American Legion Auxiliary Swift Murphy Unit 32 on Friday, Oct. 20.
Contributed Article
SAFFORD – The American Legion Auxiliary Swift Murphy Unit 32 is proud to host the Department of Arizona American Legion Auxiliary President for an official visit on Oct. 20. The Department President will also stay over to make her official visit to District Five on Oct. 21.
Each year a new Department of Arizona President is elected and is required to visit all districts and at least one Unit within the district during their tenure. Since most presidents also work and volunteer their free time for veterans and children’s programs and projects, these visits create a strenuous schedule.
This year, the Department of Arizona American Legion Auxiliary President is Rose Ficklin. Rose was born and raised in Mesa, to Mary Jo and Goebel Ficklin. Her American Legion Auxiliary eligibility is through her father, a retired Master Sgt. in the United States Air Force. Rose and her sister were signed up as juniors in the ALA in 1974. One of Rose’s favorite memories is standing outside Safeway in Mesa when she was 5 years old passing out poppies. One of the Legionnaires, a WWI veteran, told her that if she filled her donation can up, he would buy her a Coke and a donut. She proudly filled up two donation cans that day.
Rose graduated from Mesa High School in 1987. She spent twenty years in the automotive parts industry and for the last 11 years she has worked for Mesa Public Schools as a special needs bus driver. Rose has been married to her wife Renee for five years and together they love to watch football, travel to new places, and whitewater raft.
Rose has held numerous Unit chairmanships and offices, including three years as Unit 26 President. She is a proud member of District 12 and was District President 2014-2015. On the department level, she has been on several committees and has been the Americanism and President’s Special Project Chairman.
Rose’s theme this year is “Educating tomorrow’s veterans, today.” Her special project is Arizona Girls State. She is also focusing on the American Legion’s “Be The One” campaign to help veterans in crisis.
