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Show ST. GEORGE www.thespectrum.com — The Spectrum NEMHpenuons For the week of October 17, 2008 — 3 A life of service | Washington City Marines veteran dedicated to cause of country bhudson@thespectrum.com WASHINGTON _ CITY — It's been 65 years since Audre Wells served in the US. Marine Corps. But the longtime Washington County resident is still serving. She has been involved in the American Legion since 1985. One of her duties with the American Legion is as a member of its honor guard during funerals for veterans. One recent week the honor guard attended three funerals. With Veterans: Day, Nov. 11, coming up, Wells is helping plan for the yearly parade and other aspects of that commemoration of the service the nation’s soldiers, sailors and airmen have given to the country. She has served as commander of the Lester Keate Post 90 and as district commander as well. And, she proudly notes, _ She originally proposed a Junior ROTC program at Dixie High School. “That was in 1992 when In YouR they are.’ The American Legion also sponsors Boys and Girls State and a variety of contests which emphasize I was post commander, she Americanism. said. “I thought it was time “Boys and Girls State we had one here so we met teaches them about govwith the school board’ ernment; Wells said. “The But, she said, a woman earlier they learn, the better school board member was citizens they're going to be. opposed to the program. “T really believe the mili“That set us back four or five tary and the American years, she recalled. “Then Legion can help in so many Dick Werner and Val Smith made calls and started push- . ways, Wells said. “It’s all about country and governing and finally we got the program. I've watched it as ment. The more they'll know, the better they'll be’ it grew” Wells is originally from Wells said she saw the Iowa where her parents were value of the Junior ROTC program through her son, printers. She spent 25 years in the newspaper business. Richard Bensemon, a retired She joined the Marine Air Force major who was involved in the program in Corps in 1943. northern Utah. The Junior ROTC program provides its participants with leadership and military training and makes a variety of scholarships available to them. “They learn good citizenship, about voting and about the military; Wells said. “The more they know, the better NEIGHBORHOODS Bloomington: Senior theater Bloomington: Choir to travel Bloomington Hills: Online fame West Side: Seniors in the game Events DSC: Queen crowned Business: Entrepeneurial salon Business: Preserving information Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 10 Page 12 Page 15 Page 23 Page 24 at vor be are eee Bob Husdson / St. George Neighborhoods Marine Corps veteran Audre Wells looks over a scrapbook of news clippings of “I was originally going to events she War Il. ore the first and only women’s Marine Corps band. While serving in that position, she met President Franklin D. Roosevelt. She had injured herself while. marching and__ sported a black eye. He asked her, “what did the other guy look like?” She en “just like join the (Navy's) Waves, but I saw the Marine uniform and that did it? she recalled with a laugh. She worked in the Corps’ paymaster department in Washington, D.C. initially. Eventually Wells was chosen to be drum major of in during World me, sir. _She met her son's hus“band in Chicago. They married but the marriage didn't last because he was overseas. After World War II she moved to California and lived there 35 years. e See AUDRE on. DE. 4 ne) Ve argon nasye Ce s Coaneetm erecos Allg ee get cans) or . Take control of your future, it’s in your hands. Call now - (435) 652-9003. But Hurry! 0000004000~A34 BY BOB HUDSON * Graduate in just 10 short months* Billion Dollar health and wellness industry* Also certify as a personal trainer * Top quality education, financial assistance & job placement @SpI Sensory Development Institute School of Massage Therapy 1871 W. Canyon iat George, View UT Drive 84770 435-652-9003 * Jumps ‘Combos : * Obstacle Courses * Slides : Ask shout our ¢-hour & Bo A co! + eo : Slamber Party SPECIALS this month{! ° |