Service Members Awarded New American Legion Award

 

 Special to the American Forces Press Service
 
 MILWAUKEE, Sept. 18, 2000 - Enlisted representatives from 
 the five armed services received the American Legion's new 
 Spirit of Service award at the group's 82nd National 
 Convention here Sept. 5-7.
 
 Award winners are Army Sgt. Laura Jernigan of Schofield 
 Barracks, Hawaii; Navy Petty Officer 2nd class Annette 
 Marie French of the Naval Security Group Activity, 
 Chesapeake, Va.; Marine Corps Sgt. Evella Smith of 29 
 Palms, Calif.; Air Force Staff Sgt. Billy Fly of the 625th 
 Air Mobility Support Squadron, Naval Station Rota, Spain; 
 and Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd class Corey King of the 
 U.S. Coast Guard Safety Office, Sturgeon Bay, Wis.
 
 The award honors the recipients' "exceptional volunteer 
 service to "God, country and community," an American Legion 
 spokesman said. Winners were nominated by their commanders. 
 Besides etched glass and marble trophies, winners received 
 a one-year membership in the American Legion.
 
 "We wanted to honor men and women in uniform who reflect 
 the great spirit of service to others that the founders of 
 our organization considered essential," said National 
 Commander Alan G. Lance Sr., who presented the awards. 
 "They reflect a strong commitment to serving others -- a 
 spirit of service that deserves the highest recognition the 
 American Legion can provide."
 
 "Before, I was only aware that The American Legion was an 
 organization of veterans," said King, a marine science 
 technician. "Since then, I have learned that they play a 
 leading role in service to this country. I feel excitedly 
 curious to see what programs I might play a role with in 
 the future." 
 
 "I feel I have finally found a bountiful family that has 
 all the qualities everyone should live by: faith, hope, 
 integrity, spirit of community, honesty, caring and 
 unselfishness," Jernigan said.
 
 (From an American Legion news release.)
 
 

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