Past Auxiliary Commander Janet W. Bennett dies.

Janet W. Bennett, 71, who served as Auxiliary National Commander for the 2003-04 membership year, passed away at her Reno, Nev., home on Aug. 3, following a long battle with cancer.

She was a life member of Auxiliary Unit 7 in Carson City, Nev. Her Auxiliary membership eligibility was through her husband, James, a disabled veteran who served in the Army Air Corps during World War 11, the U. S. Air Force during the Korean War and Vietnam War era. Mr. Bennett is a retired U. S. Air Force Officer, and a retired DAV National Service Officer.

"Janet was a wonderful Auxiliary leader and tremendous friend.'' Auxiliary National Commander Judy M. Steinhouse said. "Her enthusiasm and dedication were an inspiration to all. The Auxiliary not only benefited greatly from her leadership, we reveled in her zest for life. Even as she battled the cancer that would take her from us, she remained a positive and compassionate example for al l of us. She shall be sorely missed and dearly remembered."

Janet was barn Sept. 22, 1933 in Red Bank, N.J. She married James C. Bennett Sr., on June 2, 1961 in Highlands, N.J. and traveled with her husband, a captain in the U.S. Air Force, until his retirement in 1966, after which, they settled in Nunda, N.Y., until 1979, when the family moved to Reno.

In Reno, Janet worked as a substance abuse counselor and supervisor. She retired in 1996, and immediately became more active in the Auxiliary.

Janet held all offices and served on various committees in Unit 7. She was elected to all state Department offices, including Auxiliary State Department of Nevada Commander for 1988-1989.

Nationally, Janet was consecutively elected DAV Auxiliary National 4th Junior Vice Commander through Senior Vice Commander beginning in 1998, and was elected National Commander on Aug. 19, 2003 at the 82nd National Convention of the DAV and Auxiliary in New Orleans.

Janet is survived by her husband, James, sons Robert and Miller, daughters Patricia Elam. Mary Gore: grandsons. Blake and Michael Elam; and granddaughters Deena, Emily, and Bailey Gore.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations in Janet's name be made to the Disabled American Veteran's Auxiliary Service Fund, DAV Auxiliary National Headquarters, 3725 Alexandria Pike, Cold Spring. Ky. 41076.