2023 AMERICAN LEGION SPIRIT OF SERVICE AWARD

[Tony]

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SUBJ//2023 AMERICAN LEGION SPIRIT OF SERVICE AWARD// 
POC/Kristine Garland/NAVCO//LOC: MILLINGTON, TN/ TEL: (901) 874-5882/ 
EMAIL: kristine.a.garland.civ(AT)us.navy.mil

RMKS/1.  The American Legion will present its Spirit of Service Award 
for calendar year 2023 to an enlisted member (E-5 or junior) from each 
branch of the Armed Forces.  The award, given annually since 2000, 
will be presented by a Medal of Honor recipient on stage at the 
American Legion National Convention in New Orleans, LA, on Tuesday, 
August 27, 2024.

2.  Eligibility.  The main criterion of the award is the level of 
volunteer community service that a Sailor performs off-duty in the 
local community.
Command-sponsored volunteer activities, either on-duty or off, will 
not be counted.  The period of service is 1 January 2023 - 31 December 
2023, and nominees must be E-5 or junior during the period of service.  
Nominees may be active or reserve, and must be outstanding military 
professionals.  Previous winners of this award are not eligible.  If 
chosen as the recipient, the awardee must attend the American Legion 
National Convention.

3.  Travel and lodging.  Within CONUS, the American Legion will 
provide travel and lodging expenses for the individual winner.  The 
winner is responsible for travel expenses for family members or 
guests.

4.  Nominations.  Nomination packages must contain the Commanding 
Officer's (CO) nomination, a description of the volunteer service 
performed, a biography of the Sailor, and a high-resolution JPEG head 
and shoulder photograph taken by their respective command in service 
dress uniform.  Also required is a signed consent for release of 
information.  The American Legion now also requires a summary of 
schools attended and awards received.
    a.  Commanding Officer nomination.  COs may nominate one Sailor 
from their command.  Nominations must be on command letterhead and 
indicate the CO's confidence in the Sailor's professionalism and as a 
representative of the Navy, the validity of the volunteer efforts and 
a commitment to facilitate their nominee's attendance at the national 
convention, if selected. Endorsements are not required.
    b.  Volunteer efforts. Description of volunteer efforts must 
include quantitative data such as hours, days, or months spent on off-
duty volunteer community service (e.g., provided 38 hours at the 
community center as a coach).  Command sponsored volunteer activities, 
either on duty or off, will not be counted.  This description should 
be provided in a bullet format.
    c.  Nominee photo.  An 8x10, high-resolution JPEG head and 
shoulder photograph of the Sailor is required.  If chosen as the award 
recipient, the nominee's photo will be used in printed and online 
material used to publicize and document the award ceremony.  The photo 
should be similar to those commonly associated with Navy leader 
biographies and official portrait photos.
    d.  Nominee biography.  If chosen as the award recipient, the 
biography will be used in the Legion's magazine and convention 
program.  The biography should include hometown information as well as 
professional highlights and
    qualifications.
    e.  The American Legion requires a summary of schools attended and 
awards received.
    f.  Signed consent for release of information.  A written and 
signed statement of consent by the Sailor, authorizing release of 
information contained in the nomination, is required per the Privacy 
Act of 1974.  The following statement is a sample of written consent:
"I, (rate/rank/full name), do hereby authorize the release of all 
information enclosed in this nomination package to those persons 
involved in the selection process."
    g.  All parts of the package should be contained in one color PDF.
    h.  For a sample package of a previous winner, go to
https://www.outreach.navy.mil/Outreach/ExecutiveOutreach/
5.  Nomination submission. Nominations must be received by 22 April 
2024.
Nominations must be submitted electronically to 
kristine.a.garland.civ(AT)us.navy.mil.  Email subject line should read 
"AMERICAN LEGION SPIRIT OF SERVICE AWARD [SAILOR'S LAST NAME]"

6.  Selection process.  The Navy Office of Community Outreach (NAVCO) 
will consolidate all nominations, organize a ranking board, and 
recommend the top candidates to the American Legion, which will make 
the selection.

7.  Released by RDML Ryan Perry, Chief of Information.//

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