The American Legion Honors Armed Forces Servicemembers for Volunteer Efforts
CHARLOTTE, N.C., Aug. 26, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Representatives from the five armed services were honored today by the nation's largest wartime veterans' organization.
The American Legion presented the Spirit of Service award to U.S. Army Specialist Cassandra Rousayne, U.S. Army Medical Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland; U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class (SW) Porfirio Pimentel, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion, Gulfport, Mississippi; U.S. Marine Corps Corporal Ricardo Gonzalez, 4th Marine Regiment, Camp Schwab, Okinawa; U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Jessica M. Day, 366th Operations Support Squadron, Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho; and U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer 3rd Class Kristina L. Manson, Communication Station Kodiak, Kodiak, Alaska, during the organization's 96th National Convention, being held here August 26-28.
The award was presented for each of the recipient's volunteer service in their local communities.
This is the fifteenth annual presentation of the award, which includes shaped, etched glass mounted on a marble base, as well as a one-year membership in The American Legion.
National Commander Daniel M. Dellinger, presented the awards to the service members along with with Kyle White, a former United States Army soldier and the seventh living recipient of the Medal of Honor from the War in Afghanistan and emcee Montel Williams on stage at the Charlotte Convention Center.
"These award winners represent the best of the best,'" Dellinger said. "Not only do they serve their nation full time, they manage to find additional hours to give to their communities. They are exemplary role models for all young people to follow. They are each outstanding representatives for their military branches."
To receive this recognition the individual must be an outstanding military professional – and be actively involved in volunteer projects in the community during off-duty hours.
Those in uniform today – from all branches of military service – active duty, reserves and National Guard members – often go out of their way to make a difference in the lives of so many others in the communities in which they live. Today, The American Legion honored these outstanding Americans who reflect the great spirit of service to others that the founders of The American Legion considered essential.
Cmdr. Dellinger said that these military men and women being honored fit the bill and are representative of thousands of their peers who make up the finest fighting force in the world.
Each of the members was selected by their individual services. The American Legion provided for accommodations, meals and travel during their time in Charlotte. They participated in the ceremonial opening of the convention hosted by television host and Navy and Marine Corps veteran Montel Williams. They were featured in The American Legion National Convention Parade as the newest members of The American Legion and interacted with their fellow veterans of several generations during numerous convention activities.
Media contacts: Joe March, Cell, 317- 748-1926 or Marty Callaghan, 202-341-8900. (Digital photos available on request)
SOURCE The American Legion
WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM?
Newsrooms &
Influencers
Digital Media
Outlets
Journalists
Opted In
Share this article