Amy Arthur

Unit President

Amy has been a member of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 8 since November 2021. 

She gained eligibility through her father, James Arthur, who served in the Army Air Corp during WWII. 

Amy is a past Unit Secretary  

She is a retired Family Nurse Practitioner and enjoys participating in volunteer activities through the Auxiliary, as well as other organizations.

Ruthie Jones

1st Vice President

Robbin Rogers

2nd Vice President

Robbin has been a member of the American Legion Auxiliary for over 10 years, joining in August of 2015 at Post 246 in Athens, Pa.  

She gained eligibility through her father, Robert Walker, who served in the Army during the Korean War.

Robbin transferred to Post 8 during the summer of 2021. She has served on the Unit's Executive Committee member as well as Chaplain. 

Cynthia Brown

Chaplain

Cindy’s eligibility for membership comes through her husband, Rick,

who proudly served in the United States Navy.

She also honors the service of her father, who served in the United States Marine Corps.

Her family’s military legacy continues through her sister, Lynn, who retired from the

United States Air Force along with many other relatives who have served

or are currently serving in the  Army, Navy, Coast Guard, and Air Force.

She is proud to come from a family deeply rooted in military service and patriotism.

Throughout her life, Cindy has been committed to serving others.

Her volunteer work has included the American Cancer Society, the Polk County EMS Ambulance Auxiliary,

the Polk County Advanced Practice Nurse Association, and numerous other community organizations.

As a nurse practitioner, she has dedicated her career to caring for others with compassion and respect.

As Chaplain of the American Legion Auxiliary, Cindy is honored to serve our members by

offering encouragement, compassion, spiritual support, and a listening ear during both joyful and difficult times.

She is committed to using her time, talents, and heart to strengthen our Auxiliary and

support our veterans, military families, and our community.

Lynn Malin

Treasure

Linda “Lynn” Malin is a member of the Auxiliary, gaining eligibility under her husband, Eugene “Gino”.  

She serves as Unit 8’s Auxiliary.  Lynn went to college when her children were all in school full-time,

receiving her degree in Business with a double major in Accounting, graduating with a 4.0.  

She feels it was important to set an example for her children. 

Lynn, who has been in Senior management as a Chief Financial Officer for the last 47 years for two different companies

brings a wealth of knowledge to the ALA Treasurer position. 

Genie Beaufait-Meddings

Secretary

Genie Beaufait-Meddings has been a member of the American Legion Auxiliary for over 8 years, originally joining in Michigan. 

Three of Genie’s children have served in the military:  Daughter Kim served in the Navy, son Mike retired with 25 years of Marines and Army service, and son Bill who served in the Air Force. 

Genie has volunteered in many capacities at the Winter Haven American Legion Post to include helping with the American Legion Riders Chapter. 

She has spearheaded our new “Show Me the Money” game, volunteering many hours to making it a success. 

For Genie, volunteering is a fun way to not only socialize, but helping to create positive results.  Volunteering is her way of honoring her children who volunteered to serve our great Nation. 

Amanda Brierly

Historian

Nancy Wlodarczak

Sergeant At Arms

Nancy is member of the American Legion Auxiliary, gaining eligibility through her husband Ron.

Ron Wlodarczak, an Army Veteran, served as a medic in Viet Nam.  He has been a member of Post 8’s Honor Guard for over 36 years. 

Nancy had the privilege of being a “Guardian” on an Honor Flight a few years ago and it was a very moving experience. 

She is on the American Legion Auxiliary’s Education Committee to serve the child of our community.  

Gail Knippenberg

Assistant Sergeant At Arms

Wanda Albright

Member at Large

Wanda is a past real estate investor and retired from a Cabinet Company she owned alongside her husband, Jim. 

She has gained eligibility to the auxiliary through her husband, James Albright, who was in the

Air Force Strategic Air Command as a 2nd Navigator.

He joined the American Legion in 2023 and Wanda joined shortly after.

Wanda respects our military and prides herself in finding ways to help by volunteering in any way she can.

Cathy Gangloff

Member at Large

Cathy Gangloff was born and raised in Pennsylvania where she met and married Wayne in 1972.  

Wayne’s time in the service is how she gained her eligibility for the American Legion Auxiliary. 

After job transfers to West Virginia, New York then back to Pennsylvania, Cathy and Wayne retired and

relocated to Florida to be close to children and grandchildren. 

About 5 years ago they decided that Wayne should join the American Legion and Cathy joined the Auxiliary. 

They are so happy that they took that step as they found a forever family and support system

with the Winter Haven American Legion. 

Rose Backus

Member at Large

Janice Chumney

Past Unit President