LEGION REPORTS
Department Membership Summary
Post Membership Summary
SAL REPORTS
Detachment Membership Summary
Squadron Membership Summary
Weekly Reports April 22, 2022
Birmingham, H.S. Junior Sweeps to Victory, Earns $25K Scholarship in American Legion Oratorical Contest
INDIANAPOLIS (April 24, 2022) – A junior from Alabama School of Fine Arts in Birmingham capped a busy weekend of competition in Indianapolis by earning a $25,000 college scholarship and first place in The American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship Program – “A Constitutional Speech Contest.” Emma Noble’s winning prepared oration was titled “The Power of the Executive Order: Because I said so.”
Noble, who lives in Birmingham, started the weekend as one of 50 state or department champions in the 83rd annual contest. She advanced to the championship through three rounds of intense competition. Noble was sponsored by American Legion Post 555 in Pelham, Ala.
Ashley Tuell, a senior from Johnson City, Tenn., earned a $22,500 college scholarship with a second-place finish, while Jackson Boone, a 12th grade student from Calvert City, Ky., earned $20,000 and third place in the competition. The scholarships account for a small portion of post-secondary scholarships that The American Legion, the nation’s largest veterans organization, awards annually.
In her prepared oration, Noble compared the use of presidential executive orders to the common parental admonishment of authority “because I said so.” She pointed out positive examples of its use, such as the Emancipation Proclamation and the desegregation of the military but also mentioned that it was used by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to establish Japanese American internment camps during World War II.
Noble encouraged people to consider the use of executive orders when they vote. “Executive orders are an extremely valuable tool because they are much faster than passing a law through the legislative branch; however, they are not trivial to undo so you must have confidence in the person making them. It is a citizen’s responsibility to vote. Not only that, but to vote for someone you trust with the power of executive orders. Because I said so.”
In each round of the weekend competition, orators delivered a rehearsed 8- to 10-minute address and a randomly assigned 3- to 5-minute oration on a constitutional topic, each without the benefit of notes and in front of a live audience, including the judges. The nearly 2-million-member American Legion developed the contest to encourage young people to improve their communications skills and to study the U.S. Constitution. More than $3 million in scholarships have been awarded over the history of the contest.
The American Legion Mourns Passing of Orrin Hatch
(INDIANAPOLIS—April 24, 2022) – American Legion National Commander Paul E. Dillard issued the following statement today concerning the passing of former Sen. Orrin Hatch:
“The American Legion is saddened about the passing of Sen. Hatch. He was a true champion for veterans and an ardent supporter of a constitutional amendment to protect our American flag. His willingness to put patriotism ahead of partisan politics earned him friends across the political aisle. In 2000, The American Legion proudly presented him with our organization’s Distinguished Service Medal, our highest honor. His voice is already missed.”
As a presidential candidate during the primaries of 2000, the longtime Utah senator expressed dismay at those who disrespected the American flag. “I really believe that if we don’t protect the values that we have, if we can’t stand up for the flag of the United States, our national symbol, what can we stand up for?” Hatch told The American Legion Magazine.
Three High School Orators to Face Off Sunday for Top National Honor in American Legion Competition
INDIANAPOLIS (April 23, 2022) – Out of an original 50 contestants, only three remain as finalists in The American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship Program, “A Constitutional Speech Contest.” The three survived two intense rounds of competition today and will vie for the championship during tomorrow’s finals which will be webcast live at 10 am Eastern Time on www.legion.org and on Facebook live at The American Legion National Headquarters page.
The top prize, a $25,000 scholarship, will be awarded to Emma Noble of Birmingham, Ala.; Jackson Boone of Calvert City, Ky; or Ashley Tuell of Johnson City, Tenn. The second and third place winners after tomorrow’s competition will receive $22,500 and $20,000 scholarships respectively. Each of the 50 competitors are department (state or regional) champions.
The other 15 semi-finalists who competed in this afternoon’s competition are Mattingly Watson (Ark.), Caleb Rasor (Ariz.), Anna Lichtenberg (Conn.), Eden Wood (Ind.), Olivia Scott (Iowa), Jha Diya (Md.), Megan Blonigen (Minn.), Valerie McDonnell (N.H.), Ian Chung (N.Y.), Ian Holdman (Okla.), Anwen Hefner (Pa.), William Sander (S.C.), Thomas Haar (S.D.), Aya Kasim (Texas) and Erin Mitchell (Wash.).
The contest, now in its 83rd year, encourages young Americans to improve their communications skills and study the U.S. Constitution. Approximately 6,000 high school students begin competition annually at The American Legion post-community level. More than $3 million in scholarships have been awarded since the inception of the program. The national contestants all competed in Indianapolis, the headquarters city for The American Legion. Previous champions include former presidential candidate Alan Keyes, the late Sen. Frank Church and writer Brent Bozell.Jr. Former Vice President Mike Pence and commentator Lou Dobbs are past state champions.
Weekly Reports April 22, 2022
LEGION REPORTS
Department Membership Summary
Post Membership Summary
SAL REPORTS
Detachment Membership Summary
Squadron Membership Summary
Hiring Heroes
The United States Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes Program is conducting a Career Summit at Eglin Air Force Base on July 19 from 8:00 – 16:00.
The American Legion and Hiring Our Heroes signed a memorandum of understanding, permitting The American Legion to partake in Hiring Our Heroes career fairs. The American Legion is provided a booth, free of charge, where it can market free veteran resources and services.
If you are interested in participating, please contact:
Adam B. Treece
Veterans Employment and Education Analyst
The American Legion, National Veterans Employment & Education Division
1608 K Street NW
Washington, DC 20006
atreece@legion.org
(202) 735-2212
Weekly Reports April 14, 2022
LEGION REPORTS
Department Membership Summary
Post Membership Summary
SAL REPORTS
Detachment Membership Summary (Coming soon)
Squadron Membership Summary (Coming soon)
Weekly Reports April 7, 2022
LEGION REPORTS
Department Membership Summary
Post Membership Summary
SAL REPORTS
Detachment Membership Summary
Squadron Membership Summary
Weekly Reports March 31, 2022
LEGION REPORTS
Department Membership Summary
Post Membership Summary
SAL REPORTS
Detachment Membership Summary
Squadron Membership Summary
Weekly Reports March 24, 2022
LEGION REPORTS
Department Membership Summary
Post Membership Summary
SAL REPORTS
Detachment Membership Summary
Squadron Membership Summary
Weekly Reports March 17, 2022
LEGION REPORTS
Department Membership Summary
Post Membership Summary
SAL REPORTS
Detachment Membership Summary
Squadron Membership Summary
Happy Birthday to The American Legion
On this day in 1919 the first American Legion caucus was held by members of the American Expeditionary Force, convening in Paris. War-weary members of the American Expeditionary Forces gathered for a “morale conference” that led to the creation of what would become The American Legion.
Happy 103rd birthday to … us. Thank you to all former and current members for keeping us going strong in our mission to serve the nation’s veterans, our military and their families, and our communities.
Weekly Reports March 11, 2022
LEGION REPORTS
Department Membership Summary
Post Membership Summary
SAL REPORTS
Detachment Membership Summary
Squadron Membership Summary
Weekly Reports March 4, 2022
LEGION REPORTS
Department Membership Summary
Post Membership Summary
SAL REPORTS
Detachment Membership Summary
Squadron Membership Summary
American Legion’s 2022 Legislative Priorities
As a member of The American Legion Family, The American Legion asks that you share The American Legion’s 2022 Legislative Priorities with your members of Congress. The American Legion continues to serve as a powerful voice for veterans in our nation’s capital, but the power of our voice is amplified by the voices of our membership! The American Legion’s Legionnaires, Auxiliary members, and Sons of The American Legion are the heart and soul of our grassroots organization.
Today, we need your help in contacting your members of the Senate and House of Representatives. Please reach out to your Senators and Representative to share The American Legion’s 117th Congress Legislative Priorities. Also please share that our National Commander will be testifying in front of Congress on Tuesday, March 8th!
Contact your Senators and Representative today to tell them to review our Legislative Priorities and let them know that The American Legion National Commander is testifying virtually in front a joint hearing of the House and Senate Veterans Affairs’ Committees.
Click the link below to log in and send your message:
https://www.votervoice.net/BroadcastLinks/T2ZrakevsfeQZzxm-Fzznw
American Legion Calls for Peace in Ukraine, Issues Stance on Strategy
INDIANAPOLIS (Feb. 28, 2022) – With two votes still waiting to be cast, a unanimous National Executive Committee of the nation’s largest veterans organization passed a formal statement today calling for “a peaceful conflict resolution in Ukraine,” and opposing combat operations for U.S. troops unless certain conditions are fulfilled.
“The American Legion was founded after World War I ravaged Europe,” American Legion National Commander Paul E. Dillard said. “We are extremely concerned about the horrific consequences that occur during war. There is absolutely no justification for Russia’s aggression. Our resolution calls for peace in Ukraine and, in conjunction with NATO and the Russian federation, supports a European security architecture which considers the national security interests of all parties.”
According to Resolution 1: Statement on Ukraine, The American Legion will not support related U.S. combat operations unless the president clearly explains why such operations are in “our vital national interests” and mission guidelines are established to include a clear exit strategy. The resolution also states that the organization’s support for such a mission be contingent on congressional authorization for the use of military force and that American forces be commanded only by U.S. officers.
The resolution also makes clear that the organization would not support combat deployments of U.S. troops “in defense of non-NATO member countries,” because of Russia’s actions.
“We agree with the White House’s decision to not send troops to Ukraine, as we continue to support a strong national defense and a strategy of vigilance,” Dillard added. “This resolution once again reaffirms our unwavering support for our men and women in uniform and our efforts to ensure their well-being. The American Legion is always here to assist veterans in crisis.”
Last Call for American Legion Fourth Estate Awards entries in print, broadcast and online media
INDIANAPOLIS (February 28, 2022) – The American Legion has announced a second call for entries in the annual Fourth Estate Awards competition for excellence in journalism and its positive impact on society. The deadline for submissions to be electronically received or postmarked is by 11:59 pm on March 1, 2022.
The American Legion awards multiple prizes to recognize the outstanding achievements made in print, broadcast and web-based media. In addition to the award, the winner in each category will be presented a $2,000 stipend to cover travel and lodging expenses to The American Legion National Convention in Milwaukee. The presentation will occur at approximately 9 am on Sept. 1, 2022 at the Wisconsin Center.
An entry form with contest rules can be found at www.legion.org/presscenter/fourthestate. You can also contact pr@legion.org for further information.
Submissions are judged on the quality of the work and the impact that it had in producing a positive result for the community. The work must have been published, posted or broadcast in 2021.
All journalists or media outlets who believe their work improved society in a tangible and way are encouraged to submit their entry. There is no entry fee and no single medium is limited to the number of entries.
Past winners include CBS News, CNN, USA Today, The Washington Examiner, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the Jackson Clarion Ledger and Military.com. The complete list can be found at www.legion.org.
The American Legion seeks entries for Fourth Estate Awards in print, broadcast and online media
INDIANAPOLIS (February 9, 2022) – The American Legion has announced a second call for entries in the annual Fourth Estate Awards competition for excellence in journalism and its positive impact on society. The deadline for submissions to be received or postmarked is March 1, 2022.
The American Legion awards multiple prizes to recognize the outstanding achievements made in print, broadcast and web-based media. In addition to the award, the winner in each category will be presented a $2,000 stipend to cover travel and lodging expenses to The American Legion National Convention in Milwaukee. The presentation will occur at approximately 9 am on Sept. 1, 2022 at the Wisconsin Center.
An entry form with contest rules can be found at www.legion.org/presscenter/fourthestate. You can also contact pr@legion.org for further information.
Submissions are judged on the quality of the work and the impact that it had in producing a positive result for the community. The work must have been published, posted or broadcast in 2021.
All journalists or media outlets who believe their work improved society in a tangible and way are encouraged to submit their entry. There is no entry fee and no single medium is limited to the number of entries.
Past winners include CBS News, CNN, USA Today, The Washington Examiner, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the Jackson Clarion Ledger and Military.com. The complete list can be found at www.legion.org.
Weekly Reports February 24, 2022
LEGION REPORTS
Department Membership Summary
Post Membership Summary
SAL REPORTS
Detachment Membership Summary
Squadron Membership Summary
American Legion Calls Urgent Meetings on Ukraine
INDIANAPOLIS (Feb. 24, 2022) – The head of the nation’s largest veterans organization has called an emergency meeting of its top leaders to discuss the Russian invasion of Ukraine and a recommended U.S. response.
“The American Legion is deeply concerned about today’s invasion of Ukraine by Russia and how this military action affects U.S. security, Europe and the rest of the world,” American Legion National Commander Paul E. Dillard said. “The American Legion National Security Commission is meeting urgently to address the situation with plans to recommend to the organization’s National Executive Committee (board of directors) a statement of policy and recommended course of action that restores peace immediately.”