AMERICAN LEGION - DEPARTMENT OF GEORGIA - NEWS
News of Events
Department of Georgia Host National training event
Posted 7 Feb 2026
The Department of Georgia hosted The American Legion National Headquarters team in an outstanding training event at the Atlanta Airport Westin Hotel.
American Legion Post 77, Conyers, GA
Posted 5 Feb 2026
American Legion Legionnaire post 77 of Conyers Ga hosted a 1st Responders Luncheon and awards ceremony recognizing Law enforcement and Firefighters of the year.
An American Legion Member was named Honorary Sergeant Major of the Army
Posted 9 Jan 2026
American Legion Legionnaire CSM (Ret) Rick Merritt has been named Honorary Sergeant Major of the U.S. Army.
CSM Merritt is a member of Georgia American Legion Post 135 and honors us with his activities throughout the National Veteran community.
This article appears in the Army Magazine, January 2026, pages 44-45.
Post 321 celebrates
Army 250 Birthday
Posted 14 June 2025
Post 321, under the Leadership of Vice Commander Ron Bogart, and Lou Carreras, assisted by GA State Rep Al Williams (a Post member) and Mayor Riles of Hinesville, along with other local leaders, helped the US Army-Hinesville Recruiting Team Celebrate the US Army’s 250th Birthday.
Department of Georgia and Governor Kemp – Poppy Month
Posted 1 May 2025
The American Legion Department of Georgia was welcomed by Governor Kemp in his office as the Governor signed a proclamation declaring May as Poppy Month
Department of Georgia Oratorical State Competition
Posted 1 April 2025
First place – Allison Yang – from Area IV
Second Place – Asa Scott – from Area I
Third Place – Mary Reese Harvey – Area III
Fourth place – Nathan Dsilva – from Area II
Allison Yang, our 1st place winner, sponsored by POST 140, Buckhead, will be going to the National Competition. Thanks to Bob Stites Chairman of DOG Oratorical Committee
9 April 2025, Georgia Tech
American Legion 5th District Commander James Watson joined Chuck Polk from American Legion Post 304 at the Georgia Tech ROTC Unit Awards Ceremony. Also attending this ceremony was, Major General Larry Taylor, USMC (Ret.). He was there to present a Marine Corps officer’s sword to a midshipman preparing to be commissioned as a 2nd LT in the USMC.
Show in the picture Left to Right, Chuck Polk, post 304, MG (ret) USMC, Taylor, 5th District Commander James Watson.
18 March 2025, GA State Capital
JAMES EDWARDS WALTERS a 40 year member of the American Legion and current member of Loganville Post 233, was inducted into the Georgia Military Veterans Hall of Fame in a ceremony at the Georgia State Capital. Click here to read the full article
Show in the picture Left to Right, District 10 Commander Rick Baugh, Award Recipient James E. Walters, ROTC Cadet (holding award), Post 233 Commander Fritz Siler.
News for the good of the Legion
Willie Pitts, Jr Memorial Event – Fund Raiser
Posted 9 April 2026
National Emergency Fund in Memory of Past Department of Georgia Commander Willie Pitts, Jr.
Levels of Support:
Platinum Sponsor: $500
Gold Sponsor: $350
Silver Sponsor: $250
Bronze Sponsor: $100
All donations are tax-deductible; a receipt of donation will be provided upon request.
Make checks payable to:
Turner Ragan Post 594
1523 Moody Rd
Warner Robins, GA 31088
Cash App: $TurnerRaganPost594 (in Note, please give the type of Sponsor and name). Donations received by May 1st will receive a FULL-PAGE ad in our commemorative booklet!
Commemorative Booklet Ads
Full Page: $100
Half Page: $50
Quarter Page: $25
Business Card: $15
ADS MUST BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN MAY 1ST
Include .jpg photo and complete organization information with your request.
Send all requests to Point of Contact Kay Jacks, 478-258-2296 (leave voicemail if no answer).
Email: ekj.jacks@gmail.com
Mail: Turner-Ragan Post 594
c/o Kay Jacks
1523 Moody Rd, Warner Robins, GA 31088
Make checks payable to: Turner-Ragan Post 594
Cash App: $TurnerRaganPost594 (in Notes, please provide type of ad and name)
Posted 9 April 2026
In 1938, the American Legion dedicated the month of April to honoring and uplifting our nation’s young people—a tradition first known as Child Welfare Month and now celebrated as Child & Youth Month. For generations, this commitment has stood as a solemn promise: the strength of America’s future depends on the strength we invest in its children today.
Benjamin Franklin once said, “America is the land of opportunity.” That spirit endures in every child who dreams boldly and in every adult who chooses to champion those dreams. Through the American Legion’s “Whole Child” philosophy, we affirm that opportunity alone is not enough. Every young person deserves the education, health, safety, and stability required to grow into a confident, capable, and compassionate citizen.
As veterans, we understand the true meaning of service—and we know that service does not end when the uniform is folded and set aside. It continues in classrooms, on ballfields, in community halls, and in the lives of more than 65,000 young people who participate each year in American Legion youth programs. Whether through the Oratorical Contest, Boys Nation and Girls Nation, the Junior Shooting Program, or American Legion Baseball, these experiences do more than teach skills. They shape character. They spark leadership. They ignite purpose.
Every young life touched by these programs represents hope—hope for stronger communities, principled leadership, and a future guided by those who understand the power of teamwork, responsibility, and opportunity.
You are encouraged to share the American Legion Youth Programs video and lend your voice to the next generation. By spreading awareness, you help open doors for young people to discover their potential and pursue their path forward.
In the spirit of unity that defines the American Legion Family, the American Legion Auxiliary invites everyone to wear purple on April 15 in honor of Purple Up Day. Purple symbolizes the combined strength of all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces—a reminder that when we stand together, we stand stronger.
The Auxiliary also proudly hosts the National Poppy Poster Contest for students in grades 2 through 12, inspiring creativity while honoring the sacrifices that safeguard our freedoms.
With seven grade-level categories, this contest offers young artists a meaningful way to express gratitude, patriotism, and remembrance.
Together—through mentorship, encouragement, and unwavering support—we are not only shaping the next generation. We are building a brighter, stronger future for us all
Posted 23 March 2025
Post 90, Statesboro, GA – has developed an “End of Life Planning” booklet for veterans and spouses.
Click anywhere on this post to go to Post 90 website for more information and the book.