Niobrara County local Phyllis Hahn has quite the military background knowledge with a large number of her family and in-law’s having joined and fought in one war or another; “My father was in the Army in World War (WW) I in France, my brothers both in the National Guard and also Army. My husband was in the Army in WW II, brother-in-law Al Read was in the Navy, brother-in-law Wayne Hahn served in Korea in the Army, cousin Verne Browder was in the Army in WW II (Battle of the Bulge), cousins in the Air Force in Vietnam, brother-in-law Chuck Wilson in the Army WW II (purple heart), nephews in the Army, Navy, Coast Guard” explains Hahn. Being just fifteen years old when the World War II ended, Hahn was too young to join the military herself, but that didn’t stop her from taking action in one way and another. In 1951, Hahn joined the American Legion Auxiliary Unit #1 under her husband, Merle Hahn. In 1952 she signed up for the Veterans of Foreign Wars, or V.F.W., Auxiliary #3511. Since registering in both auxiliaries, Hahn has “faithfully attended meetings” and works to dispense buddy poppies for both, adding, “I am currently president of the American Legion Auxiliary and treasurer of the V.F.W. Auxiliary”. Hahn’s devotion to the veteran organizations isn’t lightly placed and while her family roots run deep in selfless patriotism, she also explains her personal view;  “It’s a way to show support for those who choose to serve to keep America Free.  It’s a reflection of a deep feeling of patriotism and dedication to our country that was developed during WW II, during my formative years when we had so many activities to support the military during the Great War; scrap drives, victory gardens, rationing of gas, sugar, leather goods, bought stamps to acquire savings bonds, blackout practices, news reels about the War when we went to the movies, etc.  Our lives revolved around the war then.  Those memories are still with everyone in my generation”. 

Hahn has devoted sixty-six years of her life to the American Legion Auxiliary Unity #1 and sixty-five years to the V.F.W Auxiliary #3511. On Saturday, November 11 otherwise known as Veterans’ Day, Hahn was recognized for her efforts with framed twin Certificates of Commendation in recognition of outstanding cooperation and in appreciation for active participation in service to Veterans. The award was presented to her by Commander Ed Tirado of V.F.W. Post #3511 of Lusk and Ferdinand Brandstetter American Legion Post #1 of Van Tassell. For the award, Hahn says, “It’s always nice to hear thank you” but that what kept her going for nearly seven decades was, “Veterans have an ongoing need for many kinds of support; medical, rehabilitation, financial, and sometimes just a place to live.  They made the country we enjoy and we owe them so much”.