Among the founding principles of The American Legion and contained in the Veterans Affairs portion of our Four pillars is the employment of veterans. Over the years the organization’s roll and efforts to assist veterans in finding employment has changed as more and more government programs became available. Today the American Legion’s employment program includes, but is not limited to organizing, promoting and participating in job fairs, and presenting national awards recognizing employees for providing meaningful employment for veterans.
Both members and Posts are encouraged to submit nominations in each of the various categories of awards offered by The American Legion. All nominations must be submitted to Department Headquarters using one of the National Forms provided below. The Department winner for each award will be recognized at Department Convention and be submitted to national for consideration for the National award. Nominations received after the due date will not be considered for the national award.
The Employer of Veterans Award
Due to Department December 31
The purpose of this award is to recognize one small, one medium, and one large Kansas employer for outstanding records in the hiring and retention of veterans.
Posts may submit a total of three nominations for Department consideration, one from each of the following categories:
1. A small company with 50 or fewer employees;
2. A medium sized company with work forces of 51-200; and
3. A large company with 201 or more employees.
In order to be eligible for these awards nominees must meet the following criteria:
1. At least 10% of the nominee’s work force must be veterans.
2. The nominee must have been in business for at least five years.
3. The nominee cannot restrict employment to veterans only.
4. The nominee must be a private sector employer.
Award to Enhance the Lives of Disabled Persons
Due to Department December 31
This award recognizes organizations for their involvement in enhancing the lives of disabled persons by provided opportunities for their participation in community activities. Any Legion project or program which improves the quality of life for disabled persons will be considered.
Employer of Older Workers Award
Due to Department December 31
The National Economic Commission recognizes older workers as a valuable economic resource of proven skill, stability and experience.
Therefore the commission wants to encourage employers to hire and retain older workers. The Commission provides a plaque for the Department’s winner and certificates are issued to other nominees.
Local Veterans Employment Representative of the Year
Outstanding Disabled Veteran Outreach Program Specialist of the Year
Outstanding Employment Service Office of the Year
Due to Department December 31
There are three categories in this group; “ES” or Employment Service Offices and employees can be nominated for their services to veterans to include job counseling, testing and placement assistance to unemployed and underemployed veterans. Local Veterans Employment Representatives (LVER), and Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) specialists can also be nominated for performing outstanding work on behalf of their veteran clients.
Firefighter of the Year Award
Due to Department January 15
The American Legion will give a Firefighter of the Year Award to a firefighter who has exceeded the requirements expected of his or her position and has shown a distinct pattern of community service and professional achievement. The award, which takes into account heroic acts, will be given annually at the state convention. Nominees must be active firefighters and U.S. citizens. Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) are eligible only if they are certified firefighters.
Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award
Due to Department January 15
Each year, The American Legion gives its Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award to a well-rounded law enforcement officer who has exceeded the duty requirements expected of his or her position and has demonstrated a distinct pattern of community service coupled with professional achievement. The award, which especially takes into account heroic acts, is presented annually at the state convention.
Nominees must be U.S. citizens and living, active, full-time and paid, sworn law enforcement officers entrusted with full authority and the powers of arrest. Nominees must be assigned to or fully recognized by municipal, county, district or state police; highway patrol; sheriff’s office or as a sworn federal law enforcement officer (FBI, Secret Service agent, U.S. Marshal, National Park Police, U.S. Capitol Police, etc.) Military police officers or investigators are eligible if they are state law enforcement certified. Nominees must also reside and be assigned or attached for duty in the state of Kansas.
The Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award recognizes officers who go above the call of duty. A major secondary purpose of this award is to encourage further development of department and post Law and Order Committees through continued recognition of law enforcement officers. It is firmly believed this award serves to promote public trust and support of our law enforcement agencies.