Soledad residents revive American Legion Auxiliary in the city.

In July, Soledad residents reopened the local American Legion Auxiliary Unit 32 to provide support to residents in the city who are veterans or have family members in active duty.

“I want to show our community in Soledad, our military community, that there are people here to support you,” says Monica Andrade, Soledad ALA president and former U.S. Army service member, noting it can be isolating for family members when they aren’t close to a military installation. “We got support from families that know what it's like, that have been there, done that, and that know those struggles, and that can provide you with a connection to military resources.”

The ALA is a nationwide organization that formed in 1919. The organization is part of the American Legion family and provides support to veterans, active and reserve military and their families. Members are female veterans and their family members.

Currently, Unit 32 doesn't have their own space and are currently meeting in a garage next to the Soledad Historical Society Historical Museum.

“We don't actually have all the facilities like every other post,” says Carissa McCann, a Soledad’s ALA member.

The group is looking for a space where they can host their meetings for free.

The group had its first meeting on Aug. 6 and will meet monthly.

“We're fresh. So all the people that transferred and then the new people that we're recruiting in, we're trying to give them that foundation of understanding the programs,” McCann says.

ALA offers various programs for youth, focused on patriotism and education. They also fundraise to create an emergency fund.

One of the youth programs is called Girls State, a leadership program. ALA chooses at least one girl who is attending high school to participate.

“It's a week-long training for them to learn how to pass a bill, how to do legislation, how to do public speaking,” McCann says, noting those who participate in the process and the program may get a step ahead while applying for colleges or may become politicians.

Locally, there are several ALA units in South County and the Monterey Peninsula. The closest to Soledad is in Gonzales.

While there are various ALA units across the county, McCann says they all collaborate and send letters to veterans who are recovering at the Palo Alto VA Medical Center. “We'll send them little gifts for Thanksgiving, for Christmas, for Easter, just so that way they're not feeling forgotten,” she says.

McCann says she hopes they can host fun events, such as karaoke or bingo night for members, and organize fundraising events.

The members, including junior members under 18, are currently working on a fundraiser with Wreaths Across America, a nonprofit organization that distributes wreaths to be placed on veterans' graves. “Their goal is hoping to cover all 300 veteran or service people graves in Soledad Cemetery,” McCann says.

Andrade hopes in the future they can send care packages to Soledad's military members.

The American Legion and the local ALA will host a joint fundraising event on Sept. 5 for youth scholarships and wreaths.