NEF award recognizes the Legion at its best
American Legion posts nationwide have stepped up during this COVID-19 crisis to support their members and community. Posts have handled logistics, served as emergency action centers, provided shelter for COVID-19, prepared and distributed food, supplies, masks, etc., while maintaining a safe distance. They, too, have extended support to their communities in times of natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic are shining examples of The American Legion at its best, and each and every one of them deserve to be recognized for that.
The American Legion’s National Emergency Fund Post Excellence Award, established in 2009, is offered to American Legion posts that helped their communities affected by a natural disaster or COVID-19 during 2019 and 2020.
Examples of how posts have stepped up to assist their members and communities during the pandemic include:
- Vincent F. Picard American Legion Post 234 in Northborough, Mass., assembled and distributed 400 face shields for health-care workers and first responders.
- American Legion Post 10 in Wausau, Wis., and Bunkers at Tribute Golf Course have continued to provide meals every Wednesday to area veterans. The partnership has resulted in nearly 100 meals being delivered weekly.
- American Legion Post 104 in Montoursville, Pa., gave $5,000 to the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank to provide meals for those financially impacted by the coronavirus.
Visit www.legion.org/coronavirus for additional ways posts have stepped forward during the COVID-19 crisis.
American Legion departments may submit to the National Internal Affairs Division posts that should be considered for the National Emergency Fund Post Excellence Award by the national commander. You must submit a written narrative (no more than 500 words), along with documentation which may include newspaper clippings, photos or videos on a flash drive, CD or DVD.
Send information to:
The American Legion
ATTN: Internal Affairs
P. O. Box 1055
Indianapolis, IN 46206
Please submit nominated posts to Internal Affairs no later than Sept. 25.
At the 2020 Fall Meetings of the National Executive Committee (NEC) in Indianapolis, the Internal Affairs Commission will review submissions and validate the recipients to the NEC.
The National Emergency Fund Post Excellence Award was to be determined at the spring NEC meetings but was moved to the fall after the cancellation of Spring Meetings because of the pandemic.
Questions about the National Emergency Fund Post Excellence Award can be directed to Michele Steinmetz, NEF coordinator, Membership and Internal Affairs Division at (317) 630-1321 or email msteinmetz@legion.org.