Donations collected for NEF and OCW.
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.
- Dispatch