Service Not Self: How the ALA-VT Raised $15,000 to Preserve a Hero’s Legacy

In Gilman, Vermont, a building stands in quiet tribute—a modest white chapel bathed in late‑afternoon sunlight, its wooden doors embracing stories of sacrifice, faith, and remembrance. This is the Reverend George L. Fox Memorial Chapel, once a vacant Methodist church, now a living museum of legacy—and it lives on today thanks to the compassion of many, including the American Legion Auxiliary of Vermont.

Rev. George L. Fox’s ultimate act of selflessness—relinquishing his life vest during the sinking of the USAT Dorchester—echoes through decades as a testament to courage and humanity.   His former home church, neglected for years, found new life thanks to dedicated community members, the Fox family, local and far away American Legion posts who launched a grassroots campaign to save it.

But transforming a building into a haven of history requires more than bricks and mortar; it needs support, artifacts, and vision. That’s where the American Legion Auxiliary Department of Vermont answered the call. Guided by their creed of Service Not Self,  VT Auxiliary President, John Tester, chose the museum as his president’s project and he and auxiliary  members helped raise $15,000—fueling the museum side of the chapel and ensuring that personal items treasured by the Fox family will soon be carefully displayed for visitors and worshippers alike.

This gift will allow the creation of meaningful exhibits within the chapel, transforming it into a sanctuary of reflection—not only of Rev. Fox’s wartime sacrifice but also of the values he embodied: faith, unity, and inclusion.  The chapel now serves as a non‑sectarian spiritual space, a family museum, and a venue for many community activities.  Moreover, among those honored at the memorial service for Rev. Fox at Arlington National Cemetery were representatives from the American Legion Family—including Auxiliary President Trish Ward—symbolizing the enduring connection between the Auxiliary and Rev. Fox’s enduring legacy.

Why This Matters

• Preserving Heroic Memory: The Auxiliary’s contribution ensures that Rev. Fox’s story continues to inspire future generations.
• Community + Legacy: It exemplifies how local volunteers and Auxiliary units can make national history tangible in their towns.
• A Place for All: The restored chapel stands as both sanctuary and museum—welcoming to all, regardless of background, reflecting Rev. Fox’s inclusive ministry.

The $15,000 raised by the Auxiliary is more than just financial support—it’s a pledge to history, a gesture of collective gratitude, and a beacon of hope. It reminds us that when communities come together with purpose, even the quietest turns into something powerful—and the legacy of a humble chaplain lives on.