Carolyn Patch was installed as the VFW Auxiliary Department of Indiana Chaplain at the State Convention on June 10, 2023

 Carolyn joined the VFW Auxiliary in 1990 under the eligibility of her husband Larry J. Patch (USAF Ret.), a Vietnam War veteran.  She became a Life Member in 1991 and transferred her membership to the Frank T. Strayer VFW Post 1587 in Indianapolis in 2013.  Carolyn has served 4 terms as an Auxiliary President and has been a Trustee, Patriotic Instructor and Sr. Vice President.  In 2017 Carolyn was elected as District Guard and has held all positions in the line of ascension. She was elected as District 11's President at their May 14th 2022 District Convention.  She was installed by her husband, an All American Past Department Commander.  Carolyn has chaired and/or co-chaired all National Programs as well as having served as a Department Chairman for Publicity, Americanism and most recently the Scholarship program during Past Department President Anna Mauk's year.

Carolyn graduated with honors from St. Phillip's Community College in San Antonio, TX., with her diploma as a Licensed Vocational Nurse.   Later on she decided to return to school to work on a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Science which was interrupted when her husband suffered a series of strokes.  Carolyn is also a Certified Health Unit Coordinator and as such has trained personnel, both civilian and military for their certification.  Carolyn and Larry raised 4 sons all of whom have proudly served their country in the military.  They have 18 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.  Their son Gary passed away in 2011 due to negligent homicide and they lost a great granddaughter in 2018. 

Carolyn enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, fishing and playing darts in her spare time.  Carolyn and Larry will celebrate 46 years of marriage in October of this year while attending the Big 10 Conference in Milwaukee, WI.