Bethel Alaska 10041 VFW Auxiliary
Bethel is the largest rural community in Alaska, home to just over 6,600 residents and serving as the hub for 56 surrounding villages. As the VFW Auxiliary, we strive to support our veterans and our big‑small community with compassion, commitment, and purpose. We are committed to uplifting those who have served, standing beside their families, and strengthening the connections that hold our region together.
Meet Our Officers
Nichole Beaver – President
Mistie Hammond – Sr. Vice President
Tiffany Guinn – Jr. Vice President + Secretary
Latesia (Tish) Guinn – Treasurer
Donna Gibbons – Conductor
Britina Sidel – Chaplin
Susan Taylor – Guard
Community Allstars
Judge Nora Guinn
March 13th we honor and remember one of Alaska’s first female judges – Alaska District Court Judge Nora Guinn. Judge Guinn was born in 1920 in Akiak to Joe and Anna Venes. She married Charlie Guinn in 1939. Both she and Charlie worked for the Bureau of Indian Affairs, as teachers. Judge Guinn was appointed as a U.S. Commissioner for Alaska and became the first magistrate of Bethel in 1959. Governor Walter J. Hickel appointed her as an Alaska District Court judge in 1968. She is a member of the Alaska Women’s Hall of Fame. We are so appreciative of Judge Guinn’s excellent work to improve the well-being of Alaskans.
Veteran’s Highlight
Donald ‘Sompy’ Elliott, Korean War veteran of Robert V. Lindsey VFW Post 10041.
Patriotism in Action: Teaching Flag Etiquette to Bethel’s Youth
Patriotism in rural Alaska is not just waving a flag on the Fourth of July — it is teaching the next generation why that flag matters. The VFW Auxiliary’s Americanism program brings respect for the Stars and Stripes into schools and community events across the Delta.
Entry Into “Red, White, and Blue” contest – A National Anthem signing contest:
Frozen Ember Quartet – Fairbanks, AK
Building Stronger Communities: VFW Auxiliary’s Role in Bethel Cleanups and Safety
Strong communities are built one act of service at a time. The VFW Auxiliary Post 10041 lives this value through highway cleanups, graveyard maintenance, and donations to the Bethel Food Bank and Winter House. These projects keep our villages safe and beautiful while showing respect for the land and the people who live on it.
Nominee for National Guard
Bethel, Alaska – The VFW Auxiliary to Robert V. Lindsey Post 10041 is proud to announce that one of our own Senior Vice President, Mistie Hammond, has stepped forward as a candidate for National Guard of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary.
A longtime member and past Department President, Mistie has spent years quietly but powerfully living out the Auxiliary’s motto of “Unwavering Support for Uncommon Heroes” in Alaska. From endless volunteering through the years she has helped with food baskets during the holidays to military families in need across Alaska, monthly gift bags to VA domiciliary, fundraising for National Home and the turkey giveaways that put meals on tables in Bethel and surrounding villages. Mistie has consistently shown what real service looks like.
“”May you find grace in this world, recognize your worth, and let yourself shine.””
Chaplain’s Corner