Photo by James V. Carroll

By National Commander David K. Rehbein

Historically, American Legion posts have gone above and beyond the call of duty by helping not only The American Legion Family, but entire communities that were devastated by natural disasters.

Following tornados, floods and hurricanes of recent years, several posts truly have stepped up to the plate and, even though their post home may have sustained damage, extended a helping hand to those in need around them. Here are a couple of posts that have demonstrated a "devotion to mutual helpfulness":

• American Legion Post # 285, the only building standing after a tornado hit Parkersburg, Iowa, was the command post for FEMA, Red Cross, and Iowa State Patrol rescue and relief workers. The post also served meals to 4,000 storm victims daily, at a cost near $10,000 a day.

• American Legion Post # 490 in South Houston, Texas, while dealing with damage to their post home from Hurricane Ike, was still able to open their doors to FEMA and provide 100 computer/work stations for the general public to file for emergency grants.

These are only two examples, but I know that there are many more American Legion posts nationwide that have provided the same community service and performed similar good deeds. Posts that have handled logistics, provided shelter and extended support to their communities in times of natural disasters are shining examples of The American Legion at its best, and each and every one of them deserves to be recognized for that. Therefore, I have established the National Emergency Fund Post Excellence Award for those posts that have gone above and beyond in service to their communities during my year as National Commander.

There will be three tiers of the National Emergency Fund Post Excellence Award: Gold, Silver and Bronze levels for the three posts that, nationwide, have provided the most outstanding service to their community during a natural disaster. I am asking all departments to submit to the National Internal Affairs Division the names of posts that should be considered for these prestigious awards. You must submit a written narrative (no more than 500 words), along with documentation to include newspaper clippings, photos or videos on CD or DVD, to: The American Legion, P. O. Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206, Attention: Internal Affairs. Please have your input to Internal Affairs no later than April 22, 2009.

At the 2009 Spring Meetings of the National Executive Committee, the Internal Affairs Commission will judge the posts being considered to determine which awards a post will receive. The Gold, Silver and Bronze awards will be presented on stage at the National Convention in Louisville, Kentucky in August 2009. Those posts not receiving one of the top three awards will receive a Meritorious Service to Community Citation signed by the National Commander and sent to their Department Headquarters for presentation purposes.

I look forward to seeing many entries submitted and learning more about the great work that posts have done in their respective communities during some of the most challenging times in the history of our nation. Questions can be directed to Jack Querfeld, Director, Internal Affairs Division at (317) 630-1330.