Betty E. Cato of Cape Girardeau is the new state president of the American Legion Auxiliary.

Cato said she got involved in the American Legion Auxiliary because she is patriotic. She belongs to the local Louis K. Juden American Legion Post 63. Her husband, Ale, served in the Navy during World War II.

Over 24,000 women are members of Missouri American Legion Auxiliary. There members come from 333 local units in 17 districts.

As state president, Cato will travel across Missouri visiting local auxiliaries and helping them celebrate events. In September she will attend the national American Legion and Auxiliary Convention in Minneapolis.

"We were founded for the purpose of caring for our veterans and their families," she said.

Over the years, the role of the auxiliary has expanded to include programs for children, the elderly, homeless and communities.

"My job is to promote and encourage," Cato said. "It is a lot of fun, but a lot of work. There is a lot of self satisfaction in it also."

She hopes to encourage local units to implement additional programs and will be building support for Missouri's 11 veterans homes.