Over 10,000 new members recruited by 168 Legionnaires

For The American Legion's centennial membership year, 168 Legionnaires achieved Gold Brigade or Silver Brigade status for recruiting 10,256 new members.

There were 122 Legionnaires who recruited 50 or more new members (not counting transfers) by the May membership target date to achieve Gold Brigade status; and 46 Legionnaires recruited 25-49 new members (not counting transfers) to achieve Silver Brigade status.

See the Gold Brigade recipients here and Silver Brigade here.

The 2019 American Legion Recruiter of the Year is Charles "Abe" Abrahamson of Twin Falls, Idaho. Abrahamson is a member of Post 101 and the immediate past Department of Idaho commander. He recruited 748 new members for the 2018-2019 membership year.

The Gold Brigade recipients will be awarded unique gifts that designate affiliation with the Gold Brigade of The American Legion. First-time Gold Brigade members will receive a Gold Brigade patch, a special Gold Brigade cap pin, a Gold Brigade certificate, and a designer jacket, polo shirt or sweater with a Gold Brigade logo. Second time/repeat Gold Brigaders will receive a Gold Brigade patch and certificate, a hash mark for a jacket sleeve, and a designer jacket, polo shirt or sweater with a Gold Brigade logo. A Gold Brigader who has won the award for five consecutive years is eligible for a distinctive Gold Brigade blazer. A Gold Brigader who has earned the award for at least six consecutive years or more is eligible for a $150 check and a Legion cap with the inscription "Master Recruiter."

Silver Brigade recipients receive a silver pin and certificate.

Silver Brigade and Gold Brigade awards cannot both be awarded to a recruiter during the same membership year.