Our American Legion Auxiliary Salute to Servicemembers Award honors all military personnel who are currently serving our country in the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, Space Force, and the National Guard/Reserve. The award is given to one servicemember from each branch of service, as well as National Guard/Reserve. 
 
Each year, recipients are invited to attend the ALA National Convention as honored guests where they are presented with the award on stage and given the opportunity to share their story with the convention general assembly. 
 
National Security Committee Vice Chair Lisa Williamson encourages all ALA members to nominate an enlisted national hero for this award. Think of the servicemembers in your post home, neighborhood, family, or community who continue to uphold our values and mission, as well as the Service Not Self mindset. 
 
Williamson shares her support of ALA members nominating servicemembers for this award: 

What is the committee looking for in a nominee for the Salute to Servicemembers Award? 
Our U.S. servicemembers are exemplary examples of our nation, but when you find one who also goes above and beyond — both within the military and as an integral part of the community where they are stationed — they are more than admirable and should be acknowledged for this. It’s this can-do attitude we should all strive for.  

What has changed during the submission process since last year? 
For 2024-2025, we made the submission process much easier. An ALA member/entity is now charged with making the nomination — rather than the servicemember — to effectively tell the story of why they feel this person is head and shoulders above their peers and worthy of this award.
 
We also removed a requirement of submitting video, as that sometimes could be intimidating for both the ALA member/unit and the servicemember. A simple narrative (no more than 1,000 words), a picture of the servicemember, and the endorsement from their command group now are the only requirements. 

Why is this award meaningful for the recipient?
As a recipient of the Salute to Servicemembers Award, they will have the privilege of being a member of a small but diverse group of servicemembers who have shown their dedication to not only their military careers, but also their communities during their time in uniform. This acknowledges their contributions that go beyond their military career, displaying their impact on the wider community. It also strengthens the relationship between our military and our organization.

How can units/districts/departments promote this award? 
Each division chair has emailed information about the Salute to Servicemembers Award to all department National Security chairs. It’s a matter of the department chairs passing along the information to the units and members. Share, share, share! I would rather be inundated with a lot of submissions than not have every branch represented. Our goal is to have at least one submission from every state. 
 
For more information about recipient eligibility, requirements, and to submit a Salute to Servicemembers nominee, visit www.ALAforVeterans.org/Salute-to-Servicemembers-Award. The nominating form, along with all supporting documentation, must be completed and submitted by June 1, 2025, at 5 p.m. ET.
 
 
ALA Salute to Servicemembers Award Form
Nomination eligibility: An enlisted servicemember (pay grade E1-E9) currently serving in the United States Armed Forces. Award form online at www.ALAforVeterans.org/Salute-to-Servicemembers-Award-Form.