Department Recruiter of the Year Award

The Legionnaire certified with the highest number of new members will be declared Recruiter of the Year. The award includes a plaque and two (2) paid nights, at the Department Convention. The winner of the award MUST ATTEND the Department Convention in order to receive compensation. Department Headquarters will determine the Department Recruiter of the Year by reviewing the Brigade Awards submission forms submitted on or before May 6th. The Department Recruiter of the Year will be submitted for the National Recruiter of the Year Award (See National Awards section). The top recruiter certified from each Post will receive a certificate from Department Headquarters. noting their accomplishment. In addition, membership recruiter pins will also be awarded based on Brigade Awards submissions. (pages 47-58) of the Department Membership Manual. 

Each Legionnaire who recruits 15 or more new members between July 1, 2025, and May 6, 2026, will receive National’s 2026 Recruiter Pin and one of the following pins:

• 15 -24 members will receive a Gold Membership Recruiter Pin
• 25 -49 members will receive a Gold Membership Recruiter Pin with a Sapphire Stone
• 50 -75 members will receive a Gold Membership Recruiter Pin with a Ruby Stone
• 76 and above will receive a Gold Membership Recruiter Pin with a Diamond Stone

Deadline: May 6, 2026

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Post Highest Percentage of Membership Award

The Post with the highest percentage of membership in each of the five categories by Sept 30, 2025, receives $200. The Post with the highest percentage of membership in each of the five categories by May 31, 2026, receives $200. No forms are needed. Department verified.

Department Wide American Legion Membership Drive Incentive

Following the Department-wide Membership Drive on November 1, 2025, and March 1, 2026, the Post with the highest percentage of membership in each of the five categories achieving the highest increase in membership by November 15, 2025, and March 15, 2026, will receive $150.00. No forms are needed. Department verified. This incentive recognizes outstanding efforts in membership growth and engagement within the organization.

• Category I: 15-99 members
• Category II: 200-499 members
• Category III: 500-999 members
• Category IV: 1,000-1,499 members
• Category V: 1,500 plus members

100% Membership Post Achievement Awards

All posts achieving 100% membership by May 6th will receive a certificate, 100% Department ribbon, up to (4) 100% Membership Pins, and up to four (4) 100% Department coins. No forms are needed. Department verified.

100%+1 Membership Post Achievement Awards

All Posts achieving 100+ 1 by May 31, 2026, will receive a plaque. No forms are needed. Department verified.

65% Membership District/Area Commander Achievement Award

The District Commanders and Area Commanders who achieve 65% by November 5, 2025, will be recognized on stage at Fall Conference and receive a framed certificate.

100%+1 & Highest Percentage of Membership District/Area Commander Achievement Award

The District Commanders and Area Commanders who achieve 100% +1 by May 31, 2026, will be recognized on stage at the Department Convention and receive a framed certificate. The District Commander and Area Commander with the highest percentage will also receive a special dinner with the Department Commander in recognition of their outstanding leadership.

District Commanders’ New Post Achievement Award

District Commanders who create a new American Legion post in their respective districts and have the new posts’ temporary charter application on file at National Headquarters by May 6, 2026, will receive a framed certificate, and the new post will receive a check for $500.