Last week, Mrs. Veronika Reinelt, President of the Austrian-American Council West (AACW), was presented with the Decoration of Honor in Gold for her services to the Republic of Austria at the Austrian Residence in Los Angeles.

Mrs. Reinelt moved to Los Angeles in 1966 and subsequently became a founding member of the Austrian-American Council West. Since 1988 she held the position of AACW Vice-president, and in 1998 she took over the presidency of the AACW. During this time, she has been involved in a variety of events and sponsorships, both humanitarian and cultural, such as a donation for a scholarship to the Herbert Zipper Scholars of the Colburn School of Music as well as various donations for people in need - both in Austria and in the U.S. Her dedication to showcasing Austrian tradition was welcomed by Americans and Austrians alike.

Mrs. Reinelt was actively engaged in the creation of the Austrian-American Day and was present at its proclamation in the U.S. Capitol. Recently, and under her leadership, the AACW raised money for refugee children from the Ukraine. Mrs. Reinelt is currently involved in the co-founding of the first SOS Children's Village on the U.S. West Coast. This legacy project will be another visible sign of Austrian-American friendship.

At the ceremony, Consul General Michael Postl outlined her commitment and thanked her for her services to the Republic of Austria.