STILL SERVING AMERICA

American Legion Honors Armed Forces Servicemembers for Volunteer Efforts

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Aug. 25, 2009) - Representatives from the five armed services were honored during the opening ceremonies of the 91st Annual Convention of The American Legion. The American Legion presented the Spirit of Service award to Sergeant Michael A. Ros, U.S. Army; Petty Officer Third Class Matthew Stroup, U.S. Navy; Sergeant Nikolai N. Atkinson-Pettigrew, U.S. Marine Corps; Staff Sergeant Tony M. Jacobsmeier, U.S. Air Force, and Petty Officer Second Class Stephen Diggs, U.S. Coast Guard. The award was presented for each of the recipient's volunteer service in their local communities.

This is the tenth 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 David K. Rehbein, who presented the awards to the service members along with Admiral Michael Mullen, U.S. Navy, Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Gen. David Petraeus, Commander, U.S. Central Command, explained the purpose of the award.

"As an organization of wartime veterans we understand and embrace the concept of service to community, state and nation," Rehbein said. "These outstanding military members represent the very finest qualities of America - a steadfast commitment to serve their country and their fellow Americans." 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.

"Volunteerism is at the heart of what The American Legion does ... and it is this dedication to service and community volunteerism that keeps the nation's largest veterans organization growing," Rehbein said.

"We know about service to others. We also know that 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 honors these outstanding Americans who reflect the great spirit of service to others that the founders of our organization considered essential."

Rehbein 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 them has demonstrated a strong commitment to serving others, a spirit of service that deserves the highest recognition The American Legion can provide."

Each of the members was selected by their individual services. The American Legion provided for accommodations, meals and travel during their time in Louisville. They participated in the ceremonial opening of the convention, were featured in The American Legion convention parade, attended the National Commander's Banquet as distinguished guests and as the newest members of The American Legion interacted with their fellow veterans of several generations.

[top]