ROCKY HILL — A Putnam woman, Rita M. Barylski, was named the American Legion Auxiliary Eastern Division National vice president for the 2018-2019 year.
Members across the country joined together at the 98th National Convention to install their new National officers in Minneapolis.
Barylski was elected Aug. 29 as one of five National Vice Presidents.  Her region will cover all of New England, plus New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and the District of Columbia.  The American Legion Auxiliary is the country’s largest women’s patriotic organization. 
She joined the American Legion Auxiliary, Mayotte-Viens Unit #13 in 1968 becoming Unit president in 1986.  Rita continued becoming District President and earning District President of the Year in 1990.  In 1994/95 she became Department of CT President.  Upon completion of her term she went on to become the Department Secretary/Treasurer from 1995 to 2011.
Rita is excited to represent Connecticut and the National Organization as she visits the states in her region to bring information on serving our heroes, especially women veterans.