Minneapolis award recipients
A multitude of awards are given out at each American Legion national convention, and the 100th convention in Minneapolis in August was no exception. Below is a list of 2018 awards and their recipients, whether given onstage or off.
Distinguished Service Medal
Hon. Elizabeth Dole
National Law Enforcement Officer of the Year
Brett Walsh
National Firefighter of the Year
Damon Faust
Ralph T. O’Neil Education Trophy
For greatest activity in use of American Legion School Medal awards
Department of New Mexico
Daniel J. O’Connor Americanism Trophy
For best all-around Americanism activities
Department of Virginia
National Recruiter of the Year
David L. Witucki, Houston
Race to the Top winners
Given to district commanders who attain at least 100 percent of the district’s assigned membership objective by March 31
Ronald F. Bradstreet, Hoover, Ala.
Holly Lewis, Colliers, W.Va.
Jimmy L. Mitchell, Fresno, Texas
Gregory A. Spight, Detroit
Consolidated Post Report winners
Departments of West Virginia, Alaska, Colorado, Vermont, Connecticut, Kentucky, Idaho, Wyoming, Ohio and Maryland
Frank N. Belgrano Trophy
For support of Boy Scouts of America
Department of Missouri
Garland D. Murphy Jr. Award
Based on actual contributions received during the 2017-2018 American Legion Child Welfare Foundation (CWF) year
Department of Florida
U.S. “Udie” Grant Legacy Award
Based on total combined donations of American Legion Family to the Child Welfare Foundation
Department of Florida
Child Welfare Foundation Meritorious Achievement Award
Given for the highest increase in per-capita giving to the CWF
Department of Kansas
William F. Lenker National Service Trophy
For best supporting and implementing programs to benefit veterans and their families
Department of Montana
Fourth Estate Awards
Broadcast: KARE-TV, Minneapolis, “Disconnects, Delays and a Pattern of Denial”
Print: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, “Mexico Blackouts”
New Media: The War Horse, “Marines United”
O.L. Bodenhamer Trophy
No. 1 in membership at June report
Department of West Virginia
Employer of the Year
For companies and businesses dedicated to hiring veterans
Small: Allied Universal Security Services (Raytheon Account), Rowlett, Texas
Mid-Sized: Gallery Furniture, Houston
Large: Southwest Airlines, Dallas
Employer of Older Workers Award
ESW Inc., Crown Point, Ind.
Michael Guty Homeless Veterans Outreach Award
Department of New Jersey American Legion Family
Employment Service Local Office Award
IDES Sterling, Peoria, Ill.
Local Veterans Employment Representative of the Year
Spencer Horton, Georgia
Disabled Veterans Outreach Program Specialist of the Year
Samuel L. Denson, Pensacola, Fla.
Color Guard Contests
Military: Fountain Hills (Ariz.) Post 58
Military Open: Harrisburg Post 472, Houston
Open: Shooting Stars Unit 14, Flora, Ill.
Advancing/Retiring Colors: SAL Detachment of California District 12
Band Contest
American Legion Band of the Tonawandas, Tonawanda, N.Y.
Spirit of Service
Air Force: Staff Sgt. Robert P. Andrews
Coast Guard: Machinery Technician 2nd Class Brian Gogo
Marine Corps: Sgt. Molly Hampton
Army: Sgt. Drew Hunnicutt
Air National Guard: Staff Sgt. Heather J. Hyon
Navy: Petty Officer 2nd Class Sha’nae Wilson