NEF receives $26,500 donation

The former organization known as the National American Legion Media Association (NALMA) donated $26,500 to The American Legion National Emergency Fund (NEF) and $950.60 to the Veterans and Children Foundation in February.

The donations account for the liquid assets from NALMA Inc., as required by the Internal Revenue Service.

Clara Pon, formerly an adviser with NALMA, presented the donations to National Headquarters staff and thanked NALMA creator and Executive Director Stephen Shuga.

“Upon stepping into his role as NALPA executive director in 2018, Stephen skillfully created an organization built for 21st century media,” she said. “He devoted countless hours and utilized his leadership skills to oversee a transition from one nonprofit media organization to another in support of promoting media communications to all members of the American Legion Family.”

NALMA was created as a replacement organization for the National American Legion Press Association (NALPA), which had been operating without a supporting resolution. Instead of working with NALMA or any other outside group, The American Legion and the Media and Communications Commission opted to have the commission oversee its media membership organization.

The American Legion Media Alliance (TALMA) was created and approved. TALMA is now accepting members and offering up to six months free for those who sign up before Aug. 1. TALMA members will receive a press credential and lanyard, free entry into the annual contest, resources, an electronic newsletter and more.