Despite being two weeks behind us in our rearview mirror, activities of the BVA 78th National Convention in St. Louis will not soon be forgotten by those who were part of the historic event. Always there to assist, and seemingly in several places at the same time, was longtime Volunteer Coordinator Margarine Beaman, a mainstay of the conventions since 1992. Margarine’s cadres of volunteers in St. Louis included members of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) Army ROTC, pictured here with Margarine. 

This unique group of young men and women patiently and painstakingly assisted veterans and their families with food and drink at the August 16 offsite activity in a crowded and noise-filled Flamingo Bowl. The cadets also made a special effort to engage with convention attendees, addressing them by name and inquiring about their service. Thank you, SIUE ROTC, for your generous service and kind Facebook message following the Wednesday activity.