The Austin Post 1216 VFW and Ladies Auxiliary 1216 hosted a guest in grand style Wednesday.

National President of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Jan Tittle, and her entourage, visited Austin, and were welcomed with a luncheon at the local VFW.

“It is wonderful to be here in Austin,” she said, adding, “It is a very nice place.”

The Color Guard VFW, and many VFW members and Ladies Auxiliary members welcomed Tittle into the VFW at 300 Fourth Ave. NE.

“It is very exciting for us to meet her. I believe this is the first time a national president has visited us here,” decorated U.S. Veteran Norm Hecimovich said.

Tittle, of Charleston, S.C., has been a member of the Ladies Auxiliary for 27 years and has served in numerous capacities.

Her father, Arlen Owens, was a World War II Purple Heart recipient.

Tittle visited the SPAM museum on her tour of the city before stopping at the VFW.

“I was surprised actually; I really enjoyed it,” Tittle said.

After the VFW, she was headed to visit the Hormel Institute. One of the Auxiliary’s outreach programs is cancer aid and research.

The Ladies Auxiliary is made up of female relatives of people who were or are eligible for membership in the VFW.

Their work, in addition to cancer outreach, includes volunteering in hospitals and nursing homes, lobbying lawmakers, community service and support for veterans and their families.

Tittle concluded her speech at the luncheon with one message for the local Ladies Auxiliary.

“Do what you do best; I want you to care for them,” she said.