DEPARTMENT OF WISCONSIN
nATIONAL sECURITY
Bob Shappell, Dept Chairman
Email: bobshap@aol.com
A purpose of National Security is to maintain and promote a strong national defense by strengthening and supporting military service members and their families. This program includes development, implementation and monitoring programs and activities that contribute to the practical, emotional and social well-being of military service members and their families.
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This program also includes all activities promoting law and order in our communities, as well as interest in the security of our country. Suggested activities include donations to the USO, promoting safety in the streets, respect for laws and law enforcement personnel, emergency planning, blood donor program, ROTC/ JROTC recognition programs, POW-MIA awareness, supporting the Gold Star/Blue Star banner program, and participating in Operation Homefront and welcome home celebrations.
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Units are encouraged to honor all enlisted service members and to submit nominations for the Salute to Servicemember Award to the National Security Chairman by the established deadline.
PROGRAM ENGAGEMENT PLAN
Click for National PEP information
Wisconsin focus:
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The main purposes of the ALA National Security Program are to raise awareness of POW/MIAs and the ongoing efforts to bring closure to their families, support the Legion’s priorities for a strong national defense, support military families in and around our communities, and advocate and support initiatives to improve military quality of life for servicemembers and their families. Many of our Units are engaged in supporting these purposes, and doing a great job.
Our goals for the Wisconsin National Security Program will entail getting more Units involved. While we do that, let’s try to have some fun at it. This year we will feature a special awards program with a challenge to every Unit. The challenge is to accomplish each of the following five things:
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Raise awareness of POW/MIA issues among our own members by recognizing and remembering them at each Unit meeting and gathering.
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Raise POW/MIA awareness in the community through events, articles, and community involvement in our POW/MIA ceremonies.
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Present at least one Blue Star Banner to the family of a serving military member in your community.
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Additionally, provide support and recognition of any Gold Star families in your community.
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Recognize high school students who are entering the military by some method – graduation cords (if the school allows it), blue star banners to the family, luncheon, or dinner celebrations, etc.
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Submit a Salute to Servicemembers Award for a servicemember who has dedicated themselves not only to their military profession, but to their communities as well.
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Find specifics: Salute to Servicemembers Award
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Each Unit that completes items 1-4 will receive a letter of recognition. The event must be reported to the Program Chairman with a short narrative and digital photo. When all 4 have been completed the Unit President must send an email or mail to the Chairman certifying the events.
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Units that also complete item 5 will be added to a pool for the grand prize drawing – the Program Chairman will supply food and attend one of your Unit meetings, in coordination with the Unit President. These Units will also be considered for Unit National Security Program of the Year certificates. Finally, the District with the highest percentage of Units that complete items 1-4 will receive an ALA Table Banner for use at District activities or as they see fit.
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More detailed instructions and ideas will be forwarded through District Presidents in the upcoming weeks.
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To be considered for a national award, the unit must submit its entry on the National website (https://www.legion-aux.org/National-Awards-Form).
Check back if a link is not active
Resources:
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Link to Salute to Servicemembers award nomination form
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How to Support Troops and their Families on Military Installations
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Information on sending coupons for overseas military commissaries
www.grocerysavingtips.com/p/military-family.html
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POW/MIA
2025-2026 District Chairmen:
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District 1 - Mary Ellen Crandall
District 2 - Carol Szudrowitz
District 3 - N/A
District 4 - Marge Ciechanowski
District 5 - N/A
District 6 - N/A
​​District 7 - TBA
District 8 - N/A
District 9 - Nellie DeBaker
District 10 - N/A
District 11 - N/A
District 12 - N/A
2025-2026 National Security Program Awards Deadlines and Submission Requirements
Thank you for taking the time to share a favorite story about the positive impact you or someone you know has had on our mission! Your story may inspire another member into service. It also helps us tell the world who we are, what we do, and why we matter.
Here are the national awards for this committee:
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DEADLINES/IMPORTANT DATES
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April 1st: Submit National Security Unit narrative reports to the Department of Wisconsin. Narrative reports will be copied & distributed to the department chairman.
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June 1st: To be considered for a national award, the unit must submit their entry on-line through the ALA National Website - National Security Program Awards.
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June 1st: Units submit Salute to Service Member nominations on-line through the ALA National Website - Salute to Servicemembers Award Form.
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As a courtesy, please inform your department chairman of these submissions to National for Unit and/or Service Member recognitions.
Authorization to Release Personal Information:
Award submissions become property of the American Legion Auxiliary. Through submission of reports and award entries, the submitter grants non-exclusive reproduction and publication rights to the materials submitted and agrees to have their names and submission published for ALA use or commercial use without additional compensation or permission.
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Please fill out the information as completely and accurately as possible. Award certificates will be completed using the information provided on the entry form, so please be sure to complete it in its entirety. Please refer to the webpage for the specific criteria such as photographs, narrative length, submission deadline, and point of contact. All awards will be mailed to the department office after ALA National Convention.