The Francis M. Redington Sportsmanship Award

The Francis M. Redington Sportsmanship Award was established in May 2005. Francis M. Redington was a dedicated Legionnaire who fully supported The American Legion’s Americanism programs. He worked tirelessly in support of The American Legion Junior Shooting Program, which was his first love. Francis loyally and faithfully served for twelve years as a Deputy Range Officer on the Junior Air Rifle National Championship staff until his passing in 2003.

Through his personal dedication and commitment to the Junior Shooting Sports Program, Francis devoted countless hours, often contributing of his own resources to ensure equipment was maintained and materials were available to program and national championship tournament participants. Francis’ can-do spirit and positive words of encouragement ensured that all Junior Air Rifle National Championship athletes had the opportunity to learn and appreciate sportsmanship and fair play.

The National Americanism Commission is authorized to annually present the Francis M. Redington Sportsmanship Award to the athlete competing in The American Legion Junior Air Rifle National Championship who best exemplifies good sportsmanship and fair play.

Current Recipients:

2024
Samantha Erick
Virginia
Trigger Time
Post 72

Past Recipients:

2023
Rylie Stoeser
South Dakota
Pierre Junior Shooters
Post 8

2022
Braden Peiser
Texas
Texas Hill Country Shooting Team
Post 583

2021
Shelby Carr
Nebraska
Guns R Us
Post 7

2019
Samantha Louie
California
Selma HS Marine JROTC
Post 12

2018
Kaylene Castillo
New Mexico
Eldorado HS MCJROTC
Post 49

2017
Grace Taschuk
Andover, Minnesota
American Legion Post 334 Junior Rifle Club MN
Post 334

2016
Jimmy Ellefson
Des Moines, Iowa
Des Moines North MCJROTC
Post 374

2015
Howard Norrish
Winthrop Harbor, Illinois
Zion Benton High School NJROTC
Post 865

2014
Ryan Lowe
Clearfield, Utah
Clearfield High School
Post 134

2013
Casey Lutz
Meridian, Idaho
Meridian Optimist Jr. Rifle Club
Meridian Post 113

2012
Samantha Migliori
Middletown, New York
Middletown Post 151

2011
Dahkota Hayes
Superior, Montana
Mineral County 4-H
Ray Welch Post 13

2010
Shane Russell
Mendon, Michigan
St. Joseph County 4-H Straight Shooters
Hice-Shutes Post 170

2009
Courtney Bates
Geneva, Florida
Oviedo High School NJROTC

2009
Shayna Thompson
Mims, Florida
Post 112

2008
James Keith
Albuquerque, New Mexico
LaCueva H.S. Marine Corps JROTC
Post 49

2007
Kaitlyn Martin
Peralta, New Mexico
Valencia County 4-H Shooting Sports
Post 85

2006
Christina Dutra
Grampian, Pennsylvania
DuBois Rifle and Pistol Club
DuBois Post 17

2005
Matthew Pueppke
Amenia, North Dakota
Buffalo Sharpshooters
Dokken & Schroeder Post 223