Sally Johnston is a 26 year member of the American Legion Auxiliary. Her eligibility is through her step-father Arthur (Niles) Jones who served during WW II and was a life time member of the Taconic Valley Post #937 in Berlin. A. Niles Jones was an upstanding business man in the Town of Berlin where he owned and operated a liquid propane gas business for many years. She joined the Unit after his passing and vowed to devote her time and efforts to the American Legion Auxiliary and its programs serving the Veterans from that point on.
[private]In 2002 Sally transferred to the 4th District, Franklin County joining John E. Harrica Unit 875, Chateaugay, NY, where her husband Richard (Dick) Johnston is a life time member. She was very active in both Units, served as Unit and County Presidents and chaired all major committees with focus on VA & R, Junior Activity and Empire Girls State orientation.
While serving as 3rd District President 2000-2001, Sally received National recognition when awarded the Department National Historian award for the best overall entry in the Eastern Division. As 4th District President 2006-2007, she chaired the Poppy Committee. In addition, Sally served as 4th District Secretary for two years, 2003-2005, and is currently serving as the 4th District Finance Officer for the fourth term.
At the Department level, in 2008-2009 she was appointed as the liaison to the Department President for the American Legion Auxiliary College, where she was a presenter. While serving as Department 3rd Vice President, 2009 – 2010, she chaired the VA& R Committee receiving National recognition In 2010 – 2011 as Department 2nd Vice President she served as Children and Youth Chairman and Chairman of the Warriors Family Assistance program.
Sally Johnston was President of the Berlin Central High School Alumni Association and Secretary of the Cherry Plain Community Church. She served on the Board of Trustees for the Dick Ladd Square Dancing Association and is currently serving as Secretary of the Sandy Knoll Union Cemetery, Chateaugay, NY. Sally is also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Frontier Chapter 203, Burke, NY.
She graduated in 1971 from Berlin Central High School and then from the Independent School of Sales Training in Bennington, VT, Certified in Stress Management, Dealing with Difficult employees and Leadership Skills. She completed one year of accounting at Hudson Valley Community College in Troy. Sally was Office/Sales Manager for ten years for Taconic Plastics in Petersburgh.
“I hope to march in the Memorial Day Parade in Berlin next May in memory of my Dad and my roots,” she said.
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