Marie Miller joined the American Legion Auxiliary, Albert Hamilton Post 7, in Bellingham two years ago because she felt the need to help. She's now auxiliary president.

Age: 60.

Hometown: Bellingham.

Family: Husband, Peter, who worked for Bellingham Cold Storage and died in 2005; one son, Scott Anderson; and three grandchildren.

Supports the troops: "I really have a heart for the troops over there," says Miller, who says the auxiliary is the largest patriotic women's service organization in the world. "It's important to do everything we can to support them and all our veterans."

Makes friends: "I didn't know anyone in the auxiliary when I joined," says Miller, who has survived two bouts with breast cancer, "but I felt right at home right away. Everyone was so friendly and approachable. I felt I had the fundraising skills (with the likes of Lydia Place and the Laurendeau Foundation for Cancer Care) to help."

Miller felt comfortable running for president of the organization because she first served as activities director, where she got to know everyone.

New program: Miller is excited about the group's participation in the "Adopt a Soldier" program, which recently began locally.

"Chaplains are referring our members to soldiers deployed in Afghanistan and Iraq, soldiers who all need our support," she says. "Any of our auxiliary members can 'adopt' a soldier, or more than one soldier, if they prefer."

How "Adopt a Soldier" helps: "We want to tell our men and women in uniform in war zones how important they are to all of us," Miller says. "We are writing them handwritten letters, sending some of their favorite foods, providing for other needs in packages that include gifts, games, sports equipment, books and more.

"A lot of this is word of mouth, so anyone can tell us of a military member who would appreciate extra attention," she says. "Not long ago, chaplains had 950 of these soldiers on their lists."

Supports girls: "One of the activities we especially love is sponsoring three junior girls from Bellingham high schools for participation in Girls State at Eastern Washington University," Miller says. "This is a wonderful, meaningful experience for these girls. They learn how governments function. They learn leadership skills."

Why join: "I very much encourage local women to consider joining the auxiliary," Miller says, pointing out that it's a chance for retired women and "empty nesters" to serve the community.

The organization consists of women with immediate family members who have served in the military during wartime. For example, a woman might have had a grandparent or parent serve during World War II, Korea or Vietnam, or a son, daughter, sibling or husband who served in Desert Storm and other wars in the Middle East.

Other activities: The auxiliary also participates in parades and other civic affairs, and helps veterans who have fallen between the cracks.

"We're constantly looking for donations to help a small portion of disabled vets who need help with rent, clothing or food for their families," Miller says.

Helped Kiwanis, too: Miller joined Kiwanis about two decades ago and found it to be a life-changing experience after a divorce.

"Just being around people who are so positive made such a difference," she says. "It gave me back a great sense of self-worth and self-esteem. We did so many enjoyable projects."

Business experience: Miller worked in the construction field as a bookkeeper for 20 years and jointly owned a construction company for 10 years. She also owned a café for three years.

"I found out the restaurant business wasn't as glamorous as I had thought," she says. "I learned there is a low profit margin in food."

Unusual student: A member of Bellingham High School's Class of 1969, Miller took a non-traditional elective at Bellingham Technical College during her senior year, long before the advent of Running Start.

"It was an engineering class and I was the only girl out of about 30 students," she says. "I loved to draw, and the math and drafting skills I learned help me get a job right out of high school with a surveying company. When I first took the class I actually had a bit of an advantage. I wasn't too good at fractions, and the guys felt sorry for me and they were willing to help me."