National convention awards, donations

During the 97th American Legion national convention in Baltimore:

  • More than $179,000 was donated to the National Emergency Fund 
  • More than $133,000 was donated to Operation Comfort Warriors program. 
  • National Recruiter of the Year was awarded to Edgar J. Johnson of Columbus, Ga., for the second consecutive year. A member of Post 267, Johnson recruited 725 new members into the Legion, one more than last year. 
  • Oak Ridge Boys received the Patriot Award for teaming up with The American Legion on a series of public-service announcements raising awareness and support for needs of U.S. military veterans. 
  • Former Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel received the highest honor that The American Legion can bestow, the Distinguished Service Medal, for his dedication and support of veterans.
  • Home Depot received the Employer of the Year Award for Hiring Veterans.
  • Steven R. Brune, a 21-year emergency medical technician and volunteer with West Point Rescue in West Point, Neb., received the National Firefighter of the Year Award.
  • Ben Adams, a deputy sheriff with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office in Ocala, Fla., received the National Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award.
  • Two national news outlets and “America’s newspaper” received The American Legion’s Fourth Estate Award. See recipients here.