The American Legion



The American Legion

Department of New York

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2014-2015

Membership Program

&

Awards Manual

120,000 Membership Goal

The American Legion Department of New York

112 State Street Suite 1300

Albany NY 12207

General inquiries: 1-800-253-4466

Membership inquiries: 1-800-332-6632

Website:

General E-mail: info@

Cassi Harden,

Membership Coordinator: cassi@

The American Legion National Headquarters

PO Box 1055

Indianapolis, IN 46206

General inquiries: (317) 630-1200

Membership inquiries: 1-800-433-3318

Website:

|Membership Chairman |Membership Vice Chairman | |

|David R. Riley, Sr. |Gary Schacher | |

|PO Box 4625 |135 Phillip Schuyler Rd | |

|Rome, NY 13442 |Cobleskill, NY 12043 | |

|(315) 725-1461 |(518) 369-5689 | |

|rileydrsr@ |cpoguns@ | |

|Membership Advisor |Membership Advisor |Membership Consultant |

|William G. Damson |Rena M. Nessler |W. Michael Bowen |

|33 Vista Way |203 William St |3253 DeMont Rd |

|Hopewell Jct, NY 12533 |Geneva, NY 14456 |Seneca Falls, NY 13148 |

|(845) 227-7745 |(315) 521-4991 |(315) 568-1389 |

|wildbill2088@ |rnessler@rochester. |mickbow2949@ |

|Districts 1&9 |Districts 2&10 |Districts 3&4 |

|Luis Humphreys |Robert A. Robesch |David W. Lockhart |

|29 Peach Ter |94 Netherwood Dr |118 Eggleston St Ext |

|Newburgh, NY 12550 |Albertson, NY 11507 |Corinth, NY 12822 |

|(845) 527-4010 |(516) 741-1299 |(518) 654-7854 |

|luis45678@ |rrobesch@ |locksox@ |

|Districts 5&6 |Districts 7&8 | |

|Michael H. McDermott |Dennis McCarthy | |

|55 Cortland St |340 Brookwood Dr | |

|Homer, NY 13077 |Hamburg, NY 14075 | |

|(607) 749-7184 |(716) 649-6402 | |

|mcdermottmichael9@ |abbyrd1969@ | |

Department Membership Team

Constitution of The American Legion

Department of New York

Article X: Dues

Section 1. The annual dues paid to the National, Department, District and County Organizations shall be collected by each Post and expeditiously forwarded to the Department Organization of The American Legion. Annual dues forwarded to the Department shall be an amount payable to the Department as approved by a previous Department Convention in addition to whatever amount is required to be paid to the National, District and County Organizations on account of its members; Of this sum, an amount will be determined by a previous Department Convention mandate and that sum to be placed in the Department Rehabilitation Fund and used for that purpose only. The Department Organization shall pay to the National, District and County Organizations whatever sum is required for each individual member. The minimum annual dues of individual members to be charged by each Post shall be the amount as herein above required by the National and Department Organizations, and in addition thereto, any amount charged as dues by an intermediate body between the Post and the Department of New York. The Department Organization shall expeditiously forward to the District and County Organizations whatever sum is required for each individual member transmitted by their respective intermediate organizations.

Section 2. All annual dues shall be payable in advance on August 20th of each year, and in any event shall be due by January 1st of each year.

Section 3. Nothing contained herein shall prevent a District Organization from collecting sums due to it by reason of membership from the County Organizations of which it is composed, in which case the Department Organization shall not be responsible for such sums.

Important Information for You, Membership Chairman

What you as a Membership Chairman can do to help out the Membership Department: Please make sure of the following when checking on a member or a transmittal:

Prior to your call, please have the following information available

1. Member name – correctly spelled

2. Membership ID number

3. Date members’ dues were paid or transmitted

The more information available, the better we can assist you.

Post Transfers

If your Post is transferring a member in from another Post and that member has already paid their dues for the current year, please do not send in a membership card for them. All that is needed is a member data form signed by both the member and the accepting Post to transfer him. You will not receive credit for this member until the following year when he submits dues to your Post.

Post 0001 and DMS Transfers

Post 0001 and DMS transfers are handled exactly as a transfer from any other Post, however, any Post 0001 or DMS transfer, even if already paid for the current year prior to transferring, is eligible to be added to Post membership totals for use in figuring Department Convention membership awards. In order to count your Post 0001 and DMS transfers, please fill out and submit the certification form at the back of this manual to Department Headquarters by Department Convention Call.

County Membership Chairman Duties

The County Membership Chairman holds a position of extreme importance and responsibility on the Department Membership Team. It is vital that those accepting this position be aware of what these obligations are. The following is an attempt to outline the areas of responsibility that should be met by all County Membership Chairmen to ensure the success of the Department Membership Program.

1. The County Membership Chairman is expected to attend the following:

A. Department Membership Workshop in his/her area, usually in August

B. Department Mid-Winter Conference, usually in January.

C. Meetings of his/her County and District

D. It is suggested that, if possible, the County Membership Chairman attend the

Department Convention, usually in July.

2. The County Membership Chairman is responsible, in conjunction with his/her County Membership Team, to maintain a flow of information to the various Posts in that County about Membership Programs on the County, District and Department levels. He/She is further expected to identify problem Posts and situations and to address a solution to them.

3. The County Membership Chairman is expected to meet with his/her Membership Team on a monthly basis, preferably at a time other than a regular County meeting. The County Membership Chairman should, additionally meet with the Post Commanders and Post Membership Chairmen on a regular basis, possibly before County meetings, to discuss problems and successes.

4. The County Membership Chairman should visit each Post within the County at least once during the year.

The following are some suggestions for the County Membership Chairman; he/she should not be limited to these, but should expand upon them.

1. Be sure your County determines goals for each Post fairly and promptly.

2. Encourage his/her County to have a viable Membership program.

3. Encourage an active Post 0001 transfer program, either on a Post or County level.

4. Insist that each Post transmit dues promptly, regardless of how many.

5. Solicit from each Post: comments, suggestions, criticisms, etc., for the betterment of the Membership Program.

MEMBERSHIP ENHANCEMENT

The Department of New York American Legion’s Membership Enhancement program is administered by the five Area Task Force Directors, the Department Membership Chairman, the Department Membership Vice Chairman, Department Membership Advisors, and the Department Membership Consultant.

All requests from various Posts or Counties must be sent to the Area Task Force Director, who will review such requests, and if the proper paperwork (a signed voucher and a copy of all bills, statements and invoices that support the request) is in order, he/she will forward such requests to the Department Membership Chairman.

The Department Membership Committee will meet three times each year to review these requests: Department Convention, Mid-Winter Conference and Hill Day Membership Meeting; the Department Adjutant will give final approval before any request is honored.

All applicants will be notified of the determination of their request. This will be done within a reasonable amount time after the committee has met. No approved request will exceed $250.00.

It will be the Area Task Force Directors responsibility to notify his/her District Commander of all requests.

In the following pages you will find some previous requests that have been approved and some that have been denied.

These are guidelines, and the Department Membership Committee asks that all members look and work for innovative ideas for the recruitment of new members and retaining of current members.

PAST APPROVAL REQUESTS

All requests must be in a voucher form, and signed. All necessary paperwork must be attached, and forwarded to the Area Task Force Director. All requests must be approved by Department Headquarters before any expenses are incurred.

A. A cost of up to $50.00 toward a Department Sergeant-At-Arms Cap. This is for Counties who reach 100% of their membership goal by end of Department Convention. Receipts for Caps must be into Department no later than Veterans Day in order to get the reimbursement.

B. Billboards: The cost of printed matter for Billboards. Printed material can be purchased from CALLAHAN OUTDOOR ADVERTISING, 4 West View Rd, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Cost (if any) for use of billboards will be the responsibility of the Post or County. It is suggested that the Post or County try to get space donated.

C. Rental space: Such as fair booths, tents for civic affairs, mall space. A copy

of a signed contract must be furnished to the committee as well as a letter stating what the space is/was used for.

D. Public address systems rentals: If used for membership purposes. A signed contract must be presented.

E. Telephone banks: Requests for this type of membership tool is only approved for

areas of high Post 0001 members not transferred, delinquent members and veterans who have not joined The American Legion. Highly concentrated veteran population areas: Nassau/Suffolk Counties, Buffalo/Niagara falls, Albany/Schenectady/Saratoga/Rensselaer Counties. Department approval and guidelines must be met and approved before any phone bank can be utilized.

F. Cable television ads: A contract is needed and must list the number of projected

homes it will reach. Ad must be for membership only. Most cable networks have public broadcast stations that can be used free of charge.

G. Posters for store fronts: Invoices showing cost of printing and amount purchased.

Again membership must be the theme.

H. Anything new and innovated that can be used to recruit new members and can

also be used in transferring Post 0001 members into local posts, or picking up delinquent members. If you have questions on your new idea, contact your Area Task Force Director.

I. New membership recruiting posters designed to stand up in storefronts. The

Department Membership Committee is looking into possibly supplying this item in the future.

REQUESTS THAT WERE DISAPPROVED

A. Newspaper ads: The result from past experience in various parts of the

Department have shown little or no new members at all. The cost vs. the results

make it unproductive.

B. Rental cars: The membership committee is against any Post or County using rental cars in any membership drive, or membership purposes.

C. Refreshment: No reimbursements are given for the cost of membership breakfast, or dinners or food of any kind. The County or Post sponsoring a membership drive should bear the cost.

D. Shirts/Jackets: The Committee feels that individuals working for the goal of increased membership should be doing it for their Post/County and not looking for gifts. The National Organization has in effect Gold Brigade (new member recruiter award) Program, with many within the Department receiving these jackets in the past.

E. Bands/music: If a County or Post is having a membership booth or drive, they should not have to resort to bands to draw a crowd. This cost is not considered membership worthy.

F. Individual awards/ plaques/ money: Money for these items have been disallowed because the Department and National organization has individual awards already built into their membership programs, such as new member recruiter awards, top recruiter awards on the Post/Department/National levels and the “Gold Brigade” new members awards.

2015 Department Target Dates

August 29, 2014 50%

October 6, 2014 55%

November 3, 2014 65%

December 8, 2014 75%

January 19, 2014 80%

February 9, 2015 85%

March 9, 2015 90%

April 6, 2015 95%

May 11, 2015 100%

2015 Direct Renewal Cutoff Dates

August 29, 2014

November 3, 2014

December 29, 2014

February 9, 2015

April 6, 2015

The above cutoff dates are the dates that membership cards MUST be received at Department Headquarters in order for the member not to receive the next renewal notice.

CUTOFF DATE IS THE RECEIPT DATE AT DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS

2014 – 2015 NATIONAL MEMBERSHIP TARGET

DATES

EARLY BIRD/

NEF KICKOFF SEPTEMBER 10, 2014 50%

FALL MEETINGS OCTOBER 8, 2014 55%

VETERANS DAY NOVEMBER 13, 2014 65%

PEARL HARBOR DAY DECEMBER 10, 2014 75%

MID-WINTER JANUARY 21, 2015 80%

PRESIDENTS DAY FEBRUARY 11, 2015 85%

LEGION BIRTHDAY MARCH 11, 2015 90%

CHILDREN & YOUTH APRIL 8, 2015 95%

ARMED FORCES DAY MAY 13, 2015 100%

DELEGATE STRENGTH 30 DAYS PRIOR TO BEGINNING

OF NATIONAL CONVENTION

For complete information on the national awards points program, target dates, and information on other important membership goals, see the National Awards Points Program Manual at .

2015 DEPARTMENT AWARDS CALENDER

November 3rd Veterans Day New Member Recruiter Award

December 31st New Year New Member Recruiter Award

Post Membership Achievement Award

January 19th Mid-Winter Plaques

February 9th Department Convention Housing

March 9th A.L. Birthday New Member Recruiter Award

A.L. Birthday Citations

June 16th Convention Call New Member Recruiter Award

Membership Recruiter Pins

Top Ten Membership Award

Post 0001/DMS Transfer Certification Listing

Department Honor Ribbons

Post Membership Citation

County Membership Citation

District Membership Citation

Theodore Roosevelt, Jr., PNC Plaque

Maurice Stember, PNC Plaque

Hamilton Fish, Sr., PNC Plaque

Michael J. Kogutek, PNC Plaque

Fang A. Wong, PNC Plaque (TBA)

Richard M. Pedro, PNC Plaque

Department Membership Plaque

Department Commander’s Plaque

All certification forms for awards can be found at the back of the Awards Manual.

DEPARTMENT AWARDS

DEPARTMENT INDIVIDUAL AWARDS:

The certification form for each award must be completed by the Post Commander or Adjutant and forwarded to Department Headquarters by the specified date.

New Member Recruiter Awards

To the individual Legionnaire in the Department who, having been reported to the Department Headquarters by the following dates, recruits the most NEW MEMBERS (minimum of 25), the following expense paid trips will be awarded. The winner of the award MUST ATTEND the conference or convention in order to receive the following compensation for the winner only: 3 days per diem at $80.00 per day and economy airfare or round trip mileage at $.40 per mile. The certification form must be completed by the Post Commander or Adjutant and forwarded to Department Headquarters by the appropriate dates defined below, winner will be notified.

Veterans Day 11/3/2014 Mid-Winter Conference

New Year 12/31/2014 Washington Conference

A.L. Birthday 3/9/2015 Department Convention

Convention Call 6/16/2015 National Convention

Membership Recruiter Pins

Each Legionnaire who RECRUITS (New Members) or REINSTATES 10-24 members by Department Convention Call will receive a Gold Membership Recruiter Pin.

25-49 will receive a Gold Recruiter Membership Pin with a Sapphire Stone

50-75 will receive a Gold Recruiter Membership Pin with a Ruby Stone

76 and above will receive a Gold Membership Recruiter Pin with an Emerald Stone

Department Commander Membership Incentive Pin

Department Commander Frank J. Peters will award his Department Commander pin “I Got One!” to any Legion family member who recruits just one new or reinstated member (eligible member joining for 2015 who did not belong in 2014) into the American Legion.

Top Ten Membership Award

To each individual within their Post that has enrolled 10 or more NEW MEMBERS into The American Legion by Department Convention Call. Each Post with a qualifying individual will receive a plaque in which each qualifying individual will have their name engraved upon. Each qualifying individual will also receive a polo shirt.

DEPARTMENT POST AWARDS:

The awards are based on the Posts, which as of the dates listed below, have the greatest percentage over their 2015 membership goal. Posts may submit a listing of all Post 0001 or DMS transfers with the certification form at the back of this manual to have them included with their Post totals for membership awards at Department Convention. PUFL Posts and Posts with less than 15 members will not qualify.

Post Membership Achievement Award

All post Membership Chairmen that reach 105% of their goal by December 31, 2014 will receive a citation. In addition, their names will be entered into a drawing to receive one of five cash awards of $100.00 each. Any Post without a Membership Chairman on file will not be eligible, drawing to be held at Mid-Winter Conference.

Birthday Citation

A citation will be awarded to all posts whose membership as of March 9, 2015 exceeds their total 2014 membership.

Department Honor Ribbons

Honor ribbons will be awarded to all posts that achieve 105% of their 2015 Membership goal by Department Convention call.

Membership Citation

All posts that achieve 125% or more of their 2015 Membership goal by Department Convention Call will receive a $25.00 Gift Certificate to National Emblem Sales.

All Posts that achieve 105% or more of their 2015 membership goal by Department Convention Call will be placed in a drawing which will be held at Convention.

First Prize winner will be awarded $500.00

Three second prize winners will be awarded $100.00

DEPARTMENT COUNTY AWARDS:

The awards are based on the Counties which have the greatest percentage over their 2015 membership goal. They must have 100% or more of their 2015 goal to qualify.

Membership Citation

A Membership Team medal will be awarded to the County Commander and County Membership Chairman who achieve 100% or more of their 2015 Membership goal by Department Convention Call.

DEPARTMENT DISTRICT AWARDS:

The awards are based on the Districts which have the greatest percentage over their 2015 membership goal. They must have 100% or more of their 2015 goal to qualify.

Membership Citation

A Membership Team medal will be awarded to the District Commander and District Vice Commander who achieve 100% or more of their 2015 Membership goal by Department Convention Call.

DEPARTMENT PLAQUES:

Mid-Winter Plaques

To the Area, District, County, and Post with the greatest percentage over 100% of their 2015 membership goal by January 19, 2015

Theodore Roosevelt, Jr., PNC Plaque

To the District in first place by Department Convention Call

Maurice Stember, PNC Plaque

To the County first to reach its 100% membership

Hamilton Fish, Sr., PNC Plaque

To the Vice Commander who has the highest percentage average of their Districts by Department Convention Call

Michael J. Kogutek, PNC Plaque

To the County with the greatest percentage of increased membership over the prior year by Department Convention Call

Fang A. Wong, PNC Plaque (TBA)

Richard M. Pedro, PNC Plaque

To the Vice Commander whose Area has the greatest number of Posts over 100% by Department Convention Call

Department Membership Plaque

To the County in each category with the largest total of points using the Membership Points System for the 2014 Department Convention

Department Commander’s Plaque

To the County and Post in each category with the greatest percentage over 100% of their 2014 membership goal by Department Convention Call

2015 COUNTY CATEGORIES

Category 1 15-999 members Category 2 1000-1999 members

Canada Schoharie Allegany St. Lawrence

Chenango Schuyler Bronx Ulster

Columbia Seneca Cayuga Washington

Cortland Sullivan Chemung Wayne

Essex Tioga Clinton

Fulton Tompkins Delaware

Genesee Warren Dutchess

Greene Wyoming Franklin

Hamilton Yates Herkimer

Lewis Livingston

Madison Oswego

Montgomery Otsego

Orleans Rensselaer

Putnam Richmond

Schenectady Rockland

Category 3 2000-2999 members Category 4 3000-4399 members

Albany Saratoga Chautauqua

Broome Steuben Jefferson

Cattaraugus Westchester Monroe

Kings Onondaga

New York

Niagara

Ontario

Orange

Queens

Category 5 4400 + members

Erie

Nassau

Oneida

Suffolk

THE AMERICAN LEGION

DEPARTMENT OF NEW YORK

“MEMBERSHIP POINTS SYSTEM”

In response to numerous requests for a more equitable system for measuring County membership performance, we will be applying the following performance criteria to determine the winners of Headquarters Hotel Housing for Department Convention (February 9, 2015) and the Department Membership Plaque (June 16, 2015). The County with the most points will be the winner for their Category.

The five categories for the Counties are as follows:

|15-999 members |1000-1999 members |

|2000-2999 members |3000-4399 members |

|4400 and up members | |

CRITERIA USED FOR MEMBERSHIP POINT SYSTEM

I. Meeting Goal

100% or more of goal earns 100 points

99-99.99 % of goal earns 90 points

98-98.99 % of goal earns 80 points

97-97.99 % of goal earns 70 points

96-96.99 % of goal earns 60 points

95-95.99 % of goal earns 50 points

90-94.99 % of goal earns 35 points

85-89.99 % of goal earns 20 points

Less than 85% earns no points

II. Renewals (traditional)

98% or more of prior year membership earns 100 points

97-97.99% of prior year membership earns 75 points

96-96.99 of prior year membership earns 50 points

95-95.99 of prior year membership earns 25 points

Less than 95% earns no points

III. One point for each new member

“BIG TEN POSTS”

Post 2014 Total County

1. Post 0527 – Hamburg 988 Erie

2. Post 1376 – New Hartford 906 Oneida

3. Post 1520 – Joseph E. Zaloga 899 Albany

4. Post 1450 – Mohawk 888 Saratoga

5. Post 0396 – Winnek 772 Ontario

6. Post 0154 – Captain Clarence R. Oliver 751 Chemung

7. Post 0787 – James Harvey Spire 652 Onondaga

8. Post 0468 – Greece 615 Monroe

9. Post 1291 – Lt. B. R. Kimlau Chinese Memorial 604 New York

10. Post 0777 – Herman Kent 596 Chautauqua

NATIONAL AWARDS

NATIONAL INDIVIDUAL AWARDS:

DEPARTMENT RECRUITER OF THE YEAR

Each American Legion Post will have the opportunity to submit the name of the recruiter from that Post who has signed up the highest number of new members for the membership year by the May target date. Department Headquarters will supply certification forms to be completed by the Post Commander or Adjutant and submitted to Department Headquarters by the May target date plus one week. Department Adjutants will determine the top new member recruiter for their respective Department and certify the winner to National Headquarters, on or before the last day of May. The top new member recruiter, properly nominated and certified from each Department, will be awarded a framed certificate noting his/her accomplishment.

NATIONAL RECRUITER OF THE YEAR

The individual certified with the highest number of new members recruited from among all the Departments will be declared National Membership Recruiter of the Year. The award includes a trip to the National Convention: six days and five nights for the Legionnaire and guest, round-trip air transportation, hotel accommodations and reserved seating tickets to the National Commander’s Banquet for Distinguished Guests. Monetary awards will be presented to the next highest 26 individuals:

• One $1,000 check

• 10 $150 award checks (third place)

• 15 $100 award checks (fourth place)

Department Adjutants must nominate top recruiters on or before the last day of May.

THE GOLD BRIGADE

A Legionnaire who recruits 50 or more new members (transfers do not count) into The American Legion by the May target date will qualify for enrollment in the elite Gold Brigade of The American Legion. These very special Legionnaires will be awarded unique gifts designating affiliation with the Gold Brigade. Also, special recognition will be given to those Legionnaires through special announcements in the Dispatch, online and other media. The gifts awarded to a Gold Brigader will depend on the number of times he or she has qualified for this award.

FIRST TIME GOLD BRIGADE SECOND TIME + GOLD BRIGADE

- Gold Brigade Patch - Gold Brigade Patch

- Special Gold Brigade cap pin - Gold Brigade certificate

- Gold Brigade certificate - “Hash mark” for jacket sleeve

- Designer jacket or - Designer jacket or

- Polo Shirt or - Polo Shirt or

- Sweater with a Gold Brigade logo - Sweater with Gold Brigade Logo

GOLD BRIGADE FIFTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR AWARD

A Gold Brigader who has won the Gold Brigade award for five consecutive years is eligible for a distinctive Gold Brigade blazer. A Legionnaire may only qualify once every five years. Department Adjutants must submit all Gold Brigade certification forms to National Headquarters by the last day of May.

GOLD BRIGADE SIXTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR OR MORE AWARD

A Gold Brigader who has earned the Gold Brigade Award for at least six consecutive years or more to include the current membership year is eligible for a $150 check and a Legion cap with the label “Master Recruiter”. Department Adjutants must submit the certification form by the last day of May.

THE SILVER BRIGADE

A Legionnaire who recruits 25 to 49 new members (transfers do not count) into The American Legion by the May target date will qualify for this award. A silver pin and certificate will be awarded. Silver Brigade and Gold Brigade awards cannot both be awarded to a recruiter during the same membership year.

PIONEER AWARD

The National Membership & Post Activities Committee created the Pioneer Award on May 5, 1965, to recognize those directly involved with new Post formation. However, recognition and awarding of this citation are the new Post’s responsibility. Completed certification forms should be returned to Department Headquarters for approval prior to being forwarded to National Headquarters. All Pioneer Awards will be returned to Department Headquarters for proper presentation.

COUNTY COMMANDER 100% PIN

This special pin is worn only by those Legionnaires who as County Commanders accomplished at least 100 percent of their assigned County membership goals. These Commanders may be nominated at any time during the calendar year.

NEW POST DEVELOPMENT PIN

The New Post Development Pin is available to members of The American Legion, the American Legion Auxiliary, and Sons of The American Legion who assist with the initial start-up of a new Post. Volunteers can be nominated at any time throughout the year.

NATIONAL POST AWARDS:

POST HONOR RIBBONS

Honor ribbons are awarded to Posts whose membership for the current membership year (as of December 31) achieves an advance membership (for the year about to begin) equal to or greater than the final membership for the year ending.

CERTIFICATE OF MERITORIOUS SERVICE ALL-TIME HIGH AWARD

This certificate is awarded to all Posts that have, by December 31, enrolled an advance membership for the membership year equaling or surpassing the Post’s previous all-time high membership.

FIVE OR MORE CONSECUTIVE YEAR ALL-TIME HIGH POST AWARD

This citation is awarded to those Posts that have received the Certificate of Meritorious Service All-Time High Award, five or more consecutive times. After a Post has won the award for five consecutive years of all-time membership highs, it may continue to win the award each year thereafter as long as each year’s membership sets a new all-time high.

POST REVITALIZATION RECOGNITION LETTER

Individuals who assist in revitalizing a Post will receive a recognition letter from the National Commander welcoming them back into The American Legion.

NATIONAL COUNTY AWARDS:

COUNTY COMMANDER RACE TO THE TOP

Competition is divided into five categories based on the membership of the County without regard to geographic locations. County Commanders will compete in each of the following categories based on final membership year totals, and a top County Commander for the National award will be selected from each of the five categories. Post ribbons will also be awarded to each top County Commander for all Posts in those Counties. Second and third place awards will also be presented in each category, but no additional ribbons will be awarded for the Posts in these Counties.

Category I – 15-1,499 members

Category II – 1,500-2,999 members

Category III – 3,000-4,999 members

Category IV – 5,000-7,499 members

Category V – 7,500 or more members

First Place – The top County Commander and guest in each category whose County membership on March 31 represents the greatest percentage over the final previous year’s membership will receive a trip to the 97th National Convention in Baltimore in 2015. This cannot be less than 100 percent to qualify. Each winner and guest are entitled to a trip to the National Convention as a distinguished guest of the National Commander, including round-trip airfare, tickets to the National Commander’s Banquet, and hotel accommodations for six days and five nights. These County Commanders will also receive Legion caps signifying they are Race to the Top winners, awarded on stage at the National Convention with ribbons for each of the County’s Posts.

Second Place – The County Commander in each category who County membership on March 31 represents the second highest percentage over the final previous year’s membership will receive a $500 check. This cannot be less than 100 percent to qualify.

Third Place – The County Commander in each category whose County membership on March 31 represents the third highest percentage over the final previous year’s membership will receive a $375 check. This cannot be less than 100 percent to qualify.

COUNTY COMMANDER ACHIEVEMENT AWARD & COUNTY HONOR RIBBON

All County Commanders whose May target date membership exceeds the previous year’s membership by at least the number of Posts in that County will be awarded the County Commander Achievement Award framed certificate. In addition, the County will receive a County Honor Ribbon for its County colors.

COUNTY COMMANDER NEW POST ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

County Commanders who create new American Legion Posts in their respective Counties and have the new Post’s temporary charter application on file at National Headquarters by the May target date will receive a framed certificate.

CERTIFICATION OF NEW MEMBERS FOR DEPT. INDIVIDUAL AWARDS

New Member Recruiter Award

The Legionnaire who recruits the most new members (minimum of 25) by the following dates is eligible for the following expense paid trips:

Veterans Day 11/3/2014 Mid-Winter Conference

New Year 12/31/2014 Washington Conference

A.L. Birthday 3/9/2015 Department Convention

Convention Call 6/16/2015 National Convention

Membership Recruiter Pins

The Legionnaire who recruits new members or reinstates expired members is eligible for the following:

10- 24 will receive a Gold Membership Recruiter Pin

25-49 will receive a Gold Recruiter Membership Pin with a Sapphire Stone

50-75 will receive a Gold Recruiter Membership Pin with a Ruby Stone

76 and above will receive a Gold Membership Recruiter Pin with an Emerald Stone

Must be received at Department Headquarters no later than June 16, 2015

Recruiter Name: __________________________________________Post:____________

Address: ________________________________________________________________

Post Adjutant Signature: ___________________________________Date:____________

Recruiter Signature: ______________________________________ Date: ____________

Please list below the names and ID numbers of the members you have recruited. Use additional sheets if necessary.

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FRANK J. PETERS

DEPT. COMMANDER’S PIN

“I Got One!”

Awarded for signing up one or more new or reinstated members for the 2015 Membership Year

Print or type information below and mail to:

American Legion Dept. of New York

112 State St., Suite 1300 Albany, NY 12207

Att: Cassi Harden

Recruiter Information:

Name: _________________________________________ ID#: ____________________

Address: ________________________________________________________________

Post #: ___________________ Date: _____________________

Post Adjutant Signature: ___________________________________________________

Member Information:

Please include the name, address, ID# (if applicable), and specify whether a new or reinstated member. Please attach a supplemental sheet or use the back of this form if necessary.

1. _____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

TOP TEN MEMBERSHIP AWARD

NEW MEMBER PLAQUE

CERTIFICATION FORM

POST: RETAIN A COPY FOR YOUR RECORDS

SEND TO: DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS (ATTENTION: CASSI HARDEN) BY 30 DAYS PRIOR TO DEPARTMENT CONVENTION

The following member of Post __________ qualifies to have their name engraved on the Post “New Member Plaque” and to receive a polo shirt for enrolling 10 or more NEW MEMBERS into The American Legion by June 16, 2015. (Please attach the list of names with each nomination form).

NAME: _________________________________________ POST: _________________

ADDRESS:

____________________________________________________________________

City State Zip

PHONE: (____) ____________________________ SHIRT SIZE: __________________

Number of NEW MEMBERS enrolled (10 or more) __________

___________________________ ____________________________

Recruiting Member (signature) Post Adjutant (signature)

___________________________ ____________________________

Date Date

CERTIFICATION FORM

POST 0001 AND DMS TRANSFER LISTING

POST: RETAIN A COPY FOR YOUR RECORDS

SEND TO: DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS (ATTENTION: CASSI HARDEN) BY 30 DAYS PRIOR TO DEPARTMENT CONVENTION

Any Post 0001 or DMS transfer for the current membership year is eligible to be added to Post membership totals for use in figuring Department Convention membership awards. In order to count your Post 0001 and DMS transfers, please fill out and submit this certification form to Department Headquarters by Department Convention Call.

Please list below the names, addresses, and ID numbers of the Post 0001 or DMS members you have transferred for the current membership year. Use additional sheets if necessary.

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Post Adjutant Signature: ___________________________________Date:____________

NOMINATION FORM

“RECRUITER OF THE YEAR”

*POST ADJUTANT SEND TO: **DEPARTMENT ADJUTANT SEND TO:

DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS THE AMERICAN LEGION

ATTN: MEMBERSHIP DIVISION

PO BOX 1055

INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46206

In the Department of _________________, the top new member recruiter of membership enrolled for current membership year as of May target date, and transmitted to National Headquarters is: (PLEASE PRINT OR TYPE)

1. NAME _____________________ POST _______ MEMBER ID NO. ___________

ADDRESS ______________________________________________________________

CITY, STATE, ZIP ______________________________________________________

Phone (____) _________________

Number of NEW MEMBERS enrolled (minimum 10): _____________

(Attach list of names and ID numbers of new members)

Next Highest New Member Recruiter (Make additional copies if needed)

2. NAME _____________________ POST _______ MEMBER ID NO. ___________

ADDRESS ______________________________________________________________

CITY, STATE, ZIP ______________________________________________________

Phone (____) _________________

Number of NEW MEMBERS enrolled (minimum 10): _____________

(Attach list of names and ID numbers of new members)

_____________________________ ______________________________

Post Adjutant Date Department Adjutant Date

Mail to reach on or before:

*Department Headquarters: May Target Date

**National Headquarters: Last Day of May

CERTIFICATION FORM

GOLD BRIGADE NEW MEMBER RECRUITER AWARD

POST: RETAIN COPY FOR YOUR RECORDS

SEND TO: DEPARTMENT ON OR BEFORE THE MAY TARGET DATE

The following member in the Department of ______________________ qualifies for the

Gold Brigade award for enrolling 50 or more new members into The American Legion by May target date. (Please attach the list of names with each nomination form).

First time qualifiers for the Gold Brigade receive:

a Gold Brigade cap pin, certificate, a Gold Brigade patch, and choice of a jacket, or sweater, or polo shirt with the Gold Brigade logo.

Second time qualifiers for the award receive:

a Gold Brigade certificate, patch, a “hash mark” for the sleeve, and the choice of either another Gold Brigade jacket, or sweater, or polo shirt with the Gold Brigade logo.

PLEASE CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX(ES):

This Gold Brigade award will be my:

[ ] A. First “Gold Brigade” award

[ ] B. Other (Specify 2nd or 3rd time qualified) __________________________

If you checked either box “A” or “B”, circle one: jacket sweater polo shirt

(Circle size) Size: (S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL)

NAME ____________________________________________ POST NO. __________________

ADDRESS ____________________________________________________________________

City State ZIP

PHONE: (____) _________ Number of NEW MEMBERS enrolled (minimum 50) __________

______________________________ ______________________________

Department Adjutant (signature) Post Adjutant (signature)

______________________________ ______________________________

Date Address

______________________________

Date (Cannot be after May Target Date)

USE ADDITIONAL SHEETS IF NECESSARY

DEPARTMENT REMINDER - Forward a copy of this form to the National Membership Division and a copy of the list of new members signed up to National Headquarters, on or before the last day of May.

CERTIFICATION FORM

GOLD BRIGADE

FIFTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR AWARD

Departments: Send to National Headquarters by last day of May.

The following member of the Department of _____________________ qualifies for the prestigious fifth consecutive year Gold Brigade award for enrolling fifty or more new members into The American Legion by the May target date.

A Legionnaire may only qualify for this award once every five years.

This Navy blue blazer replaces the gold blazer of previous years.

(Circle One)

Man’s Blazer: (Cut) Short, Regular, Portly (Stout), Long, Extra Long, Extra Extra Long

PLEASE SPECIFY EVEN SIZES 34-54 _____________ Size

Lady’s Blazer: (Cut) Short, Regular, Long, Extra Long, Extra Extra Long

PLEASE SPECIFY EVEN SIZES 4-20 ______________ Size

(Please Type or Print)

Name _____________________ Post No. ___________ Mem. ID _________________

Phone (_____) ________________ Years of being a Gold Brigader 19____ - 20____

Certified:

_______________________________

Department Adjutant (signature)

_______________________________

Date

DEPARTMENT REMINDER - Forward a copy of this form to the National Membership Division and a copy of the list of new members signed up to National Headquarters, on or before the last day of May.

CERTIFICATION FORM

GOLD BRIGADE

SIXTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR OR MORE AWARD

The following member of the Department of _______________________ qualifies for the sixth consecutive year or more Gold Brigade award for enrolling fifty or more new members into The American Legion by May target date.

This award is a $150 check and a Master Recruiter Legion cap, along with a Gold Brigade plaque, cap pin, and hash mark.

Note: Please type or print; make sure all of the information below is complete to help avoid processing delays.

|Name: | |Member ID#: | |

| |

|Phone: | |Post #: | |Post City: | |

| |

|Years qualifying for Gold Brigade: | | |

| |

|Number of NEW MEMBERS enrolled (minimum 50): _________________ | | |

| |

|Please specify crown type (Regular, Fort Knox, Women’s crown): | |

| |

|Please specify (Lined or Unlined): | |Cap size: | |

| |

|Mandatory Insignia (Y/N): | |If yes, please list: | |

Certified:

__________________________________

Department Adjutant (signature)

__________________________________

Date

DEPARTMENT REMINDER - Forward a copy of this form to the National Membership Division and a copy of the list of new members signed up to National Headquarters, on or before the last day of May.

CERTIFICATION FORM

SILVER BRIGADE NEW MEMBER RECRUITER AWARD

POST: RETAIN COPY FOR YOUR RECORDS

SEND TO: DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS ON OR BEFORE MAY TARGET DATE

The following member in the Department of ___________________________ qualifies for the

Silver Brigade Award for enrolling 25 to 49 NEW MEMBERS into The American Legion by May target date.

Silver Brigaders receive a silver pin and a silver certificate.

NAME ______________________________________ POST NO. _________________

ADDRESS ______________________________________________________________

City State ZIP

PHONE: (____) ________ Number of NEW MEMBERS enrolled (25 to 49) _________

_____________________________ ________________________

Department Adjutant (signature) Post Adjutant (signature)

_____________________________ _______________________

Date ADDRESS

________________________

USE ADDITIONAL SHEETS IF NECESSARY DATE

DEPARTMENT REMINDER - Forward a copy of this form to the National Membership Division and a copy of the list of new members signed up to National Headquarters, on or before the last day of May.

THE AMERICAN LEGION PIONEER AWARD

Post Commander:

Post Adjutant:

The American Legion has authorized issuance of a citation titled “The American Legion Pioneer Award.” Your post may make nominations for this award immediately after securing a temporary charter.

This award is a means of recognition for an individual who has made the greatest contribution in helping to get your post chartered and insuring a successful operation.

You can play an important role in giving proper recognition both to the nominee and to your post. If your post has someone to nominate, please complete the information below and return to your department headquarters for certification and forwarding to National Headquarters.

_______________________ Post No._______ located at_________________________

Department of _____________________, was chartered on________________, 20_____

Nomination for The American Legion Pioneer Award is hereby made for: ____________

________________________________________________________________________

Post No. ______________ feels the above nominee deserves the Pioneer Award because: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

ATTEST:

________________________

Post Commander

________________________

Post Name and Number

________________________

Address

_____________________________ _______________________

Post Adjutant City and State (ZIP)

The above information is certified as correct: ________________________

Date ____________________, 20____ Department Adjutant

________________________

Department

DUPLICATE AS NECESSARY

CERTIFICATION FORM

NEW POST DEVELOPMENT PIN

This recognition, in the form of a specially designed cap/lapel pin, is for any individual who assists in starting a new post.

Department adjutants may nominate these individuals by name at any time once the temporary charter has been submitted.

POSTS: Mail to Department Headquarters

TO: The American Legion

Attn: Membership Division

P.O. Box 1055

Indianapolis, IN 46206 Date ____________________________

The Department of ___________________________ requests New Post Development Pins for the following individual(s) for assisting in the development of Post ______.

Name of individual(s) who assisted in starting this new post.

ADJUTANT _____________________ DEPARTMENT ____________________

DUPLICATE AS NECESSARY

Pins will be shipped directly to the department for presentation at an appropriate ceremony.

CERTIFICATE OF MERITORIOUS SERVICE

POST ALL-TIME HIGH AWARD

This certificate is awarded to those posts which, by December 31st, have enrolled an advance membership for the year about to start equaling or surpassing the post’s previous all-time high membership.

POSTS: Mail to Department Headquarters by January target date

TO: The American Legion DEADLINE: January 31st

Attn: Membership Division

P.O. Box 1055

Indianapolis, IN 46206 Date _________________________

Please list posts in numerical order starting with No. 1

The Department of ______________________ requests citations for the following posts:

Name of Post/ No. of advance

Post No. Location All-Time High members Dec 31st

______________________________

Department Adjutant

______________________________

Department

DUPLICATE AS NECESSARY

CERTIFICATION OF POSTS EARNING

FIVE CONSECUTIVE YEARS ALL-TIME HIGH AWARD

This award is for a citation to the post which has five or more consecutive years all-time high. Please note a minimum of five consecutive years is necessary to qualify, but a citation can be earned each year the post continues its all-time high performance after the fifth year.

POSTS: Mail to Department Headquarters

TO: The American Legion

Attn: Membership Division

P.O. Box 1055

Indianapolis, IN 46206 Date _________________________

Please list posts in numerical order starting with No. 1

The Department of ______________________ requests citations for the following posts:

NAME OF POST NUMBER OF CONSECUTIVE YEARS

AND NUMBER OF ALL-TIME HIGH MEMBERSHIP

No. of Years From To

___________________________________ ____________________________________

___________________________________ ____________________________________

___________________________________ ____________________________________

___________________________________ ____________________________________

___________________________________ ____________________________________

______________________________

Department Adjutant

______________________________

Department

DUPLICATE AS NECESSARY

CERTIFICATION FORM

POST & DISTRICT REVITALIZATION RECOGNITION LETTER

These letters are awarded to the revitalized post and those individuals who assisted in the revitalization effort.

POSTS: Mail to Department Headquarters

TO: The American Legion

Attn: Membership Division

P.O. Box 1055

Indianapolis, IN 46206 Date ____________________________

The Department of ___________________________ requests a “Welcome Back” letter for Post____________:

Name of individual(s) who assisted in the revitalization of this post.

______________________________

Department Adjutant

______________________________

Department

DUPLICATE AS NECESSARY

Letters will be shipped directly to the department for presentation at an appropriate ceremony.

ELIGIBILITY DATES

WORLD WAR I APRIL 6, 1917 to

NOVEMBER 11, 1918

WORLD WAR II DECEMBER 7, 1941 to

DECEMBER 31, 1946

U.S. MERCHANT DECEMBER 7, 1941 to

MARINES in WWII* AUGUST 15, 1945

KOREAN WAR JUNE 25, 1950 to

JANUARY 31, 1955

VIETNAM WAR FEBRUARY 28, 1961 to

MAY 7, 1975

LEBANON & AUGUST 24, 1982 to

GRENADA WAR JULY 31, 1984

PANAMA WAR DECEMBER 20, 1989 to

JANUARY 31, 1990

PERSIAN GULF/ AUGUST 2, 1990 –

WAR ON TERRORISM Cessation of hostilities as determined by US Government

*Merchant Marines eligible only if attached for active duty service with the Coast Guard, Army or Navy during dates indicated.

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