The American Legion Department of New York

The American Legion Department of New York 2015-2016 Membership Program & Awards Manual 113,000 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: nylegion.net General E-mail: info@nylegion.org Cassi Harden, Membership Coordinator: cassi@nylegion.org The American Legion National Headquarters PO Box 1055 Indianapolis, IN 46206 General inquiries: (317) 630-1200 Membership inquiries: 1-800-433-3318 Website: www.legion.org Department Membership Team Membership Chairman Gary Schacher (518) 369-5689 cpoguns@yahoo.com PDC Consultant Dist. 1,2,9,10 Frank J. Peters (718) 541-0424 frankjpeters@aol.com PDC Consultant Dist. 3,4,5,6,7,8 William R. Kearsing, Jr. (518) 281-0738 bkearsing@aol.com First District Director William G. Damson (845) 227-7745 wildbill2088@aol.com Second District Director Paul Dietrich (718) 698-5269 paul@the-dietrichs.com Third District Director Timothy W. Burch (518) 943-4833 twburch@verizon.net Fourth District Director Mario J. Cristaldi, Jr. (518) 883-6549 mcristaldi@frontier.com Fifth District Director Leslie F. Crossett (315) 891-3754 (H) (315) 360-2082 (C) magoo33lfs@msn.com Sixth District Director Robert C. Gardner (607) 634-4099 (H) (607) 760-9159 (C) americanlegion974@frontier.com Seventh District Director Rena M. Nessler (315) 789-6068 (H) (315) 521-4991 (C) renanessler@gmail.com Eighth District Director Dennis McCarthy (716) 649-6402 abbyrd1969@roadrunner.com Ninth District Director Jerrold P. Oser, Sr. (845) 742-8584 jerroldposersr@msn.com Tenth District Director Robert A. Robesch (516) 741-1299 rrobesch@optonline.net 2

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 20 th of each year, and in any event shall be due by January 1 st 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 to transfer is a member data form signed by both the member and the accepting Post. You will not receive credit for this member until the following year when he submits dues to your Post. 3

Post 0001 and DMS Transfers Post 0001 and DMS transfers are handled the same as a transfer from any other Post, however, Post 0001 or DMS transfers that have already paid to Post 0001 for the current year prior to transferring, are 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. Post 0001 and DMS transfers that pay to the local Post for the current year after transferring are already included in your actual membership totals. 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. 4

MEMBERSHIP ENHANCEMENT The Department of New York American Legion s Membership Enhancement program is administered by the ten District Membership Directors, two Area PDC Membership Consultants, and the Department Membership Chairman. All requests from various Posts or Counties must be sent to the District Membership 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 District Membership 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. 5

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. 6

2016 Department Target Dates September 4, 2015 50% October 9, 2015 55% November 9, 2015 65% December 7, 2015 75% January 15, 2016 80% February 8, 2016 85% March 7, 2016 90% April 11, 2016 95% May 6, 2015 100% 2016 Direct Renewal Cutoff Dates September 4, 2015 October 9, 2015 December 7, 2015 February 8, 2016 April 11, 2016 2016 Department Convention Call June 14, 2016 The above cutoff dates are the dates that membership cards MUST be received at Department Headquarters in order to count toward the listed target or for the member not to receive the next renewal notice. Department Convention Call cutoff is the date that membership cards MUST be received at Department Headquarters in order to count toward Department Convention awards CUTOFF DATE IS THE RECEIPT DATE AT DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS 7

2015 2016 NATIONAL MEMBERSHIP TARGET DATES EARLY BIRD/ NEF KICKOFF SEPTEMBER 9, 2015 50% FALL MEETINGS OCTOBER 14, 2015 55% VETERANS DAY NOVEMBER 13, 2015 65% PEARL HARBOR DAY DECEMBER 9, 2015 75% MID-WINTER JANUARY 20, 2016 80% PRESIDENTS DAY FEBRUARY 10, 2016 85% LEGION BIRTHDAY MARCH 9, 2016 90% CHILDREN & YOUTH APRIL 13, 2016 95% ARMED FORCES DAY MAY 11, 2016 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 www.legion.org. 8

2015 DEPARTMENT AWARDS CALENDER November 9 th December 31 st January 15 th February 8 th March 7 th June 14 th Veterans Day New Member Recruiter Award New Year New Member Recruiter Award Post Membership Achievement Award Mid-Winter Plaques Department Convention Housing A.L. Birthday New Member Recruiter Award A.L. Birthday Citations 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 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. 9

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 11/9/2015 Mid-Winter Conference New Year 12/31/2015 Washington Conference A.L. Birthday 3/7/2016 Department Convention Convention Call 6/14/2016 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 James Yermas will award his Department Commander pin to any Legion family member who gets one brand new member (eligible person joining for the first time that had not previously been a member) AND one renewal or reinstated member (eligible member rejoining for 2016 who last belonged in 2014 or prior) 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 10

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 2016 membership goal. Posts may also submit a listing of any Post 0001 or DMS transfers that have already paid current dues to Post 0001 prior to transferring, using the certification form at the back of this manual. Upon verification, they will be included with their actual 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, 2015 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 7, 2016 exceeds their total 2015 membership. Department Honor Ribbons Honor ribbons will be awarded to all Posts that achieve 105% of their 2016 Membership goal by Department Convention call. Membership Citation All Posts that achieve 125% or more of their 2016 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 2016 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 2016 membership goal. They must have 100% or more of their 2016 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 2016 Membership goal by Department Convention Call. 11

DEPARTMENT DISTRICT AWARDS: The awards are based on the Districts which have the greatest percentage over their 2016 membership goal. They must have 100% or more of their 2016 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 2016 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 2016 membership goal by January 15, 2016 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 To the Post in each category first to reach its 100% membership 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 2016 Department Convention Department Commander s Plaque To the County and Post in each category with the greatest percentage over 100% of their 2016 membership goal by Department Convention Call 12

2016 COUNTY CATEGORIES Category 1 15-999 members Category 2 1000-1999 members Canada Schoharie Allegany St. Lawrence Cayuga Schuyler Bronx Ulster Chenango Seneca Chemung Washington Columbia Sullivan Clinton Wayne Cortland Tioga Delaware Essex Tompkins Dutchess Fulton Warren Franklin Genesee Wyoming Herkimer Greene Yates Kings Hamilton Livingston Lewis Ontario Madison Oswego Montgomery Otsego Orleans Rensselaer Putnam Richmond Schenectady Rockland Category 3 2000-2999 members Category 4 3000-4399 members Albany Saratoga Monroe Broome Steuben Onondaga Cattaraugus Westchester Chautauqua Jefferson New York Niagara Orange Queens Category 5 4400 + members Erie Nassau Oneida Suffolk 13

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 8, 2016) and the Department Membership Plaque (June 14, 2016). 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 14

BIG TEN POSTS Post 2015 Total County 1. Post 0527 Hamburg 977 Erie 2. Post 1520 Joseph E. Zaloga 873 Albany 3. Post 1376 New Hartford 863 Oneida 4. Post 1450 Mohawk 837 Saratoga 5. Post 0154 Captain Clarence R. Oliver 714 Chemung 6. Post 0787 James Harvey Spire 671 Onondaga 7. Post 1291 Lt. B. R. Kimlau Chinese Memorial 607 New York 8. Post 0396 Winnek 607 Ontario 9. Post 0468 Greece 604 Monroe 10. Post 0777 Herman Kent 538 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. 15

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. 16

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 17

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 97 th 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. 18

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 11/9/2015 Mid-Winter Conference New Year 12/31/2015 Washington Conference A.L. Birthday 3/7/2016 Department Convention Convention Call 6/14/2016 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 14, 2016 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. 19

JAMES YERMAS DEPT. COMMANDER S PIN Awarded for signing up one or more brand new members AND one or more renewals or reinstated members for the 2016 Membership Year Print or type information below and mail to: American Legion Dept. of New York 112 State St Ste 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# (where available), and specify whether a new, renewal, or reinstated member. Please attach a supplemental sheet or use the back of this form if necessary. 1. 2. 20

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 14, 2016. (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 21

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 Post 0001 or DMS transfers that have already paid to Post 0001 for the current year prior to transferring are 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. Post 0001 and DMS transfers that pay to the local Post for the current year after transferring are already included in your actual membership totals and should not be submitted on this form. 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: 22

*POST ADJUTANT SEND TO: DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS NOMINATION FORM RECRUITER OF THE YEAR **DEPARTMENT ADJUTANT SEND TO: 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 23

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. 24

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 20-20 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. 25

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. 26

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) Date USE ADDITIONAL SHEETS IF NECESSARY Post Adjutant (signature) ADDRESS 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. 27

Post Commander: Post Adjutant: THE AMERICAN LEGION PIONEER AWARD 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 28

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. 29

CERTIFICATE OF MERITORIOUS SERVICE POST ALL-TIME HIGH AWARD This certificate is awarded to those posts which, by December 31 st, 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 31 st 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 31 st Department Adjutant Department DUPLICATE AS NECESSARY 30

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 AND NUMBER NUMBER OF CONSECUTIVE YEARS OF ALL-TIME HIGH MEMBERSHIP No. of Years From To Department Adjutant Department DUPLICATE AS NECESSARY 31

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. 32

ELIGIBILITY DATES WORLD WAR I WORLD WAR II APRIL 6, 1917 to NOVEMBER 11, 1918 DECEMBER 7, 1941 to DECEMBER 31, 1946 U.S. MERCHANT DECEMBER 7, 1941 to MARINES in WWII* AUGUST 15, 1945 KOREAN WAR VIETNAM WAR JUNE 25, 1950 to JANUARY 31, 1955 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. 33