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Lakiba Palmer Legionnaire Auxiliary Unit 310’s Momentous 91st Anniversary Gala

November 19, 2025

The Lakiba Palmer American Legion Auxiliary Unit 310 recently celebrated its 91st anniversary at a gala event in San Diego. This distinctive unit holds the honor of being one of California's only units of color and the first American Legion Auxiliary charter named after an African American woman, specifically honoring San Diego Seaman Lakiba Palmer who died in the USS Cole attack in Yemen. Despite operating without a permanent facility since 2021, the organization has maintained strong performance in fundraising and community outreach under President Margaretta Hickman's leadership.

Who is affected

  • Veterans served by American Legion Auxiliary Unit 310
  • 163 current members of Unit 310
  • Mrs. Margaretta Hickman (President of Unit 310)
  • Youth participants in mentoring programs
  • VA hospital patients receiving visits
  • Ms. Chida Warren-Darby (Director of Boards and Commissions for the City of San Diego)
  • San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria
  • District 22 Auxiliary President Linda Sundberg

What action is being taken

  • The unit is continuing to serve veterans despite lacking a permanent location
  • Members are working across six major programs: Poppies, Legislative, Americanism, Children and Youth, Education, and Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation
  • The unit is conducting fundraising and community outreach activities
  • Youth mentoring initiatives are ongoing
  • VA hospital visit programs are being conducted

Why it matters

  • This unit represents important diversity within the American Legion Auxiliary system as one of the only units of color in California. Despite facing the significant challenge of operating without a permanent facility for over three years, Unit 310 has demonstrated resilience and remains one of the strongest performing units in California for fundraising and community outreach. The organization honors the legacy of a fallen Black servicewoman while providing crucial support services to veterans and youth in the San Diego community, demonstrating that dedicated service can continue even amid adversity.

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint