CONVENTION
AWARDS

Department Convention &
"Of the Year" Awards

DEPARTMENT CONVENTION AWARDS

BYRON WAGGONER AWARD: Recognizes a district's ceremonial efforts and accomplishments, based on the work of the posts in the district.

FOUR CHAPLAINS MEMORIAL AWARD: Recognizes a post's efforts to promote the ideals of the Service to God and Country program.

RALPH V. "CURLY" CUSHMAN AWARD: Recognizes a post's accomplishments in the field of rehabilitation and service to the veteran.

COL. FRANK R. KOSSA NATIONAL SECURITY AWARD: Recognizes a post's activities to promote issues of National Security in its local area.

WAYNE L. TALBERT AWARD: Recognizes a post for its efforts in preparing a print publication. This entry requires examples to be submitted in a folder.

FOURTH ESTATE AWARD: Recognizes outstanding achievement by a professional news organization in the coverage of activities of interest to The American Legion. Two awards -- one print and one broadcast - are presented each year.

SONS OF THE AMERICAN LEGION ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: Recognizes the S.A.L. squadron, which distinguishes itself in all phases of the S.A.L. program.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AWARD: Recognizes posts' significant contributions to their communities.

POST BLOOD DONOR REPORT FORM: For certifying the number of post members participating and number of pints of blood donated during the 2021-2022 Legion year.

A.D. PHILIPS SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD: Recognizes a participant in the Department State Baseball Tournament. The award, which was created in 1964, honors longtime Legionnaire and member of the State Baseball Committee, A.D. Phillips.

ARLEIGH SKELTON AWARD: In an effort to recognize the contribution of individuals to the Department of Indiana American Legion Baseball program, the Baseball Committee annually presents this award in honor of Mr. Arlie Skelton who served the Department program for 47 years.

DEPARTMENT “OF THE YEAR” AWARDS

EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR: Recognizes educators in three (3) grade categories (K thru 6, 7 & 8 and 9 thru 12), who go above and beyond to build children’s educations and stronger communities. Judging criteria includes evaluation of the educators’ professional career, community service, family, letters of recognition, and news clippings. A $500 grant is presented, in the name of each Educator of the Year award winner, to the school at which each award winner is employed. Award nomination packets must be submitted by each applicable District's Chairperson, and received by the Department Headquarters, no later than the annually established deadline.

MILITARY PERSON OF THE YEAR: Recognizes military persons in one of three categories: Active Duty, Reserve, and National Guard. Judging criteria includes evaluation of the military person's professional career, community service, family, and letters of recognition. Award nomination packets must be submitted by each applicable District's Chairperson, and received by the Department Headquarters, no later than the annually established deadline.

EMS OF THE YEAR: Recognizes EMS's that go above and beyond in their duties in their jobs and communities. Judging criteria includes evaluation of the EMS's professional career, community service, family, letters of recognition, and news clippings. A $500 donation is presented, in the name of the EMS of the Year award winner, to the winner’s charity of choice. Award nomination packets must be submitted by each applicable District's Chairperson, and received by the Department Headquarters, no later than the annually established deadline.

FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR: Recognizes firefighters that go above and beyond in their jobs and communities. Judging criteria includes evaluation of the firefighter's community service, professional career, heroism, and letters of recognition, news clippings, and other substantiating documentation. A $500 donation is presented, in the name of the Firefighter of the Year award winner, to the winner’s charity of choice. Award nomination packets must be submitted by each applicable District's Chairperson, and received by the Department Headquarters, no later than the annually established deadline.

LAW OFFICER OF THE YEAR: Recognizes outstanding law officers. Judging criteria includes evaluation of the law officer's community service, professional career, heroism, and letters of recognition, and news clippings. A $500 donation is presented, in the name of the Firefighter of the Year award winner, to the winner’s charity of choice. Award nomination packets must be submitted by each applicable District's Chairperson, and received by the Department Headquarters, no later than the annually established deadline.

Leslie Laine

2023-2024 Active Duty

Military Person of the Year

Dale Naylor

2023-2024 Law Officer of the Year

RECOGNITION

Post Commanders for each winning post award selectee in each category will be notified by the Department in advance of the convention, to assure maximum possible recognition of the winners. Each Post so notified should make every effort to attend the Department Convention to accept your award.

Each District Commander with a finalist for each of the “Of The Year” will be invited to attend a special award recognition luncheon, on Saturday of the Convention, prior to the afternoon general session award presentation.

All award nomination submissions MUST be received by the Department Headquarters by the established deadline. Submissions received after the deadline, regardless of reason, shall be disqualified.

How to participate

For further information, please contact your Post, District, or the Department Chair or contact Wendy McGinness, Program Director at (317) 630-1301 or wmcginness@indianalegion.org.