U.S. Senators Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Richard Burr (R-NC), co-chairs of the Senate Military Family Caucus, on Thursday introduced a resolution recognizing the patriotism and contributions of veterans service organizations (VSO) known as women’s auxiliaries.

“For almost a century, auxiliaries have been committed to supporting our service members, veterans, and their families,” Senator Boxer said. “I am so proud to introduce this resolution recognizing generations of women volunteers who are giving back to those who have selflessly served this country.”

“Veterans auxiliary groups are at the heart of this nation’s quiet and devoted support of veterans in our communities – everything from volunteering countless hours to care for veterans to raising money for those in need – and they should be recognized for their hard work and sacrifices,” said Senator Burr. “This resolution is a small gesture in recognition of their service to the nation’s veterans.”

More than one million Americans – wives, widows, mothers, grandmothers, daughters and granddaughters of veterans, as well as veterans themselves – are auxiliary members. They have worked alongside veterans service organizations for close to a century, volunteering hundreds of thousands of hours and raising billions of dollars to support countless charitable causes. Auxiliary units also conduct welcome home and send-off events for deployed servicemembers and strengthen their communities by conducting food drives, visiting hospitals, providing scholarships and providing valuable support at veterans facilities.

The full text of the resolution follows:

Whereas, for nearly a century, auxiliaries have served as a complementary and integral part of veterans service organizations, supporting members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and their families;

Whereas, since their inception, auxiliary units have proudly supported members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and the families of those who have served, volunteering hundreds of thousands of hours and raising billions of dollars;

Whereas auxiliaries have representatives in all 50 States and abroad;

Whereas auxiliaries have more than 1,000,000 members and are composed of wives, widows, mothers, grandmothers, daughters, and granddaughters of veterans, as well as veterans themselves;

Whereas auxiliary units have raised money to aid and enhance the lives of members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and their families through financial support-providing assistance with essentials such as rent, child care, utilities, and food;

Whereas auxiliary units host “stand-downs” that focus on providing vital health and support services to homeless veterans;

Whereas auxiliary units strengthen their local communities by conducting food drives, visiting hospitals, and providing scholarships to youth;

Whereas auxiliary units serve as advocates for veterans and their families;

Whereas auxiliary units conduct welcome home and send-off events for members of the Armed Forces;

Whereas members of auxiliaries selflessly volunteer their services at facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs throughout the country to enhance the lives of veterans and their families; and

Whereas, each year, auxiliary units raise millions of dollars for cancer research: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Senate-

(1) honors and recognizes the patriotism and countless contributions to the United States by generations of women in the auxiliaries of veterans service organizations;

(2) commends members of auxiliaries in the United States and abroad for their dedicated service to and support of members of the Armed Forces and veterans as well as their families and communities;

(3) encourages the people of the United States to promote awareness of the contributions and dedication of members of auxiliaries to members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and their families; and

(4) calls on the people of the United States to follow the noble example of the auxiliaries of veterans service organizations and volunteer support and services to those who have selflessly served the United States.