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Public Spirit Award


Inspiring actions often inspire others to action. The American Legion Auxiliary’s prestigious Public Spirit Award recognizes outstanding individuals and organizations for contributions that positively impact communities through service to our military, veterans, and their families. Every year, we celebrate those who make a difference through a creative body of work or even a single generous act. Previous recipients have included U.S. presidents and government officials as well as regular citizens who saw a need and took action.

 

Established in 1983, this award is presented at the American Legion Auxiliary’s Awareness Assembly held annually in Washington, D.C. The recipient is selected by the American Legion Auxiliary national president and must be present to accept the award.

2010 Public Spirit Award Recipient R2R


 2011 Public Spirit Award Recipient - Operation Mend
Operation Mend

Operation Mend, a unique partnership between Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas, and the V.A.-Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, has been established to help treat U.S. military personnel severely wounded during service in Iraq and Afghanistan.

 

The project was launched with the help of philanthropist Ronald A. Katz, a well-known inventor and Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center board member who recognized that providing excellent care to injured military personnel need not be limited to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the armed forces. As of June 2010, 23 active-duty servicemembers and 20 veterans have received treatment through Operation Mend.

 
Past Recipients 
Previous recipients include General Colin Powell (Ret.), former First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton, President Ronald Regan, Ann Landers, Jeanne Kirkpatrick, and others.  View the complete list.