Department 2023-2024 Membership Awards Manual
2023-2024 Department Legionnaire of the Year
Application packets for
Department Firefighter, Law Enforcement, or Emergency Medical Technician of the Year
nominee should include:
(1) a completed application form,
(2) a 5x7 photograph of the nominee, and
(3) a maximum of 18 one-sided pages 8.5"x 11" bond paper of service documentation. The first six or seven pages should contain the individual’s service narrative. The additional pages may include supporting citations and other documentation to include press articles. Only one copy of the application package needs to be submitted. The following documentation should be included:
a. Application form - Complete the attached application form and use it as the cover page of the application. This cover page shall not count as part of the maximum 18 pages of service documentation.
b. 5 x 7 official photograph of the nominee.
c. Service narrative and supporting documentation. The goal of the National Law and Order Committee is to select a well-rounded firefighter who has exceeded, above and beyond, the duty requirements of his or her position and who exemplifies the virtues of professionalism and dedication and has demonstrated a distinct pattern of community service to his/her community, state or nation; and also has proven his/her personal dedication to community security and protection. The firefighter officer must be recommended by his/her Commanding Officer or Supervisor for this award. The commanding officer or supervisor should also state that the firefighter officer, if selected for this award, will be available for its presentation at the national convention. Specific acts of community service, heroism and meritorious performance recognized by his/her firefighter agency should be included and documented. To assist Departments in their selections, judging guidelines at the national level will be based on the following criteria, and maximum percentage points will be allocated as follows:
I Community Service ................... ……………….35 points
II Professional Career ................ ………………...40 points
III Heroism……………………...............................20 points
IV Letters of Recognition, news clippings,and other substantiating documentation......................5 points
To be considered for the National Award, the deadline for submittals to Department of Tennessee Headquarters is January 5, 2024.
EMPLOYMENT AWARDS
2022-2023 VETERANS EMPLOYMENT & EDUCATION COMMISSION AWARDS The first American Legion Veterans Employment and Education Commission Award was established in 1947, and recognized individuals across the country who had established outstanding records in the employment and retention of workers with disabilities. Since that time, categories were added to the current nine award programs. The Veterans Employment and Education Commission is striving to award all possible pending awards that are available to The American Legion. We implore all departments to continue to submit award nominations for the awards with the hope that we receive all 400 + possible nominations. We are striving to reach 100% participation in this program.
To be considered for the National Award, the deadline for submittals to Department of Tennessee Headquarters is January 5, 2024. Each of the national winners receives a stipend to help defray the cost of their representative’s travel to the convention city to accept the award. All entries must be accompanied by an official nomination form (see the following pages) and must not be longer than two pages of narrative. Supporting documents, which may also be submitted with the nomination, must not exceed ten pages.