Fifteen American Legion Auxiliary departments (states) were recognized Aug. 25 as Merit Medallion winners on stage at the ALA’s 104th National Convention in Tampa, Fla. Department presidents received the award on behalf of their state:
- Department of Alaska, President Lori Fruhwirth
- Department of Arizona, President Stacey W. Mayberry
- Department of California, President Linda Hayes
- Department of Connecticut, President Janice Sentivany
- Department of Florida, President Charlotte M. Bass
- Department of Hawaii, President Irene J. DeVirgilio
- Department of Iowa, President Verlinda R. Prior
- Department of Kansas, President Tracy M. Kinnick
- Department of Minnesota, President Judith Ackerman
- Department of Nebraska, Amanda F. Washburn
- Department of Pennsylvania, President Tracie Seiders
- Department of Utah, President Michael Rasmuson
- Department of Virginia, President Ethel M. Carson
- Department of Washington, President Diana L. Hagen
- Department of Wisconsin, President Becky A. Mueller
“All of these department presidents represent departments that achieved excellence in membership, impact reporting, governance, financial health, and investing in the organization,” said 2024-2025 ALA National President Trish Ward.
Departments earned the distinction of having a special navy delegation sign with their state name on it, and the winners received a Merit Medallion medal to wear during all of National Convention week.
The Department Merit Medallion had five established areas of focus:
• Achieve 85% membership benchmark goal by March 15, 2025.
• Submit department impact report.
• Governance excellence (C&B annual review, board responsibilities, disciplinary process, meeting and voting authority).
• Financial policies and process (990 compliance, audit standards).
• Financial donation (American Legion Auxiliary Foundation Veteran Projects Fund, Auxiliary Emergency Fund).
The Department Merit Medallion will continue into the 2025-2026 ALA administrative year. To learn more, visit
www.ALAforVeterans.org/Department-Merit-Medallion.
