About This Award
Established in 1984, the Woman of the Year Award recognizes outstanding women who exemplify the values and ideals of the American Legion Auxiliary, particularly those whose contributions advance the quality of life for America’s military, veterans, and their families.
Criteria & Selection
- Recipients may be an Auxiliary member or someone eligible for membership, but eligibility is not a criterion for consideration.
- Their contributions should be high profile in nature and therefore have had a wide-ranging effect and/or impact.
- The recipient should display the ideals and values defined by the mission of the organization.
- The recipient serves as an inspirational role model and/or spokesperson for the organization and membership.
- Selection is at the discretion of the national president.
- Recognition and presentation of the award occurs at the national convention.
2011 Woman of the Year
Author, mother and Army wife Melissa Seligman has been named the 2011 American Legion Auxiliary “Woman of the Year” for her positive impact on the quality of life for all active-duty military servicemembers, veterans and their families.
Seligman knows all too well the challenges of coping with a family at home and a husband overseas. As an Army wife and mother of two children, she is an accomplished author and blogger, writing about how to survive deployment as well as how to best support military spouses.
Seligman chronicles her pain, love and experiences in the book “The Day After He Left for Iraq.” She co-authored “Simply Green” with her husband and is the co-author of “A Heart Apart,” an interactive book for military children.
“Melissa is an amazing woman,” said Auxiliary National President Carlene Ashworth. “The information, resources and support she offers military spouses are invaluable. Most civilians truly cannot understand the pressures of deployment. We are grateful that the support and advice offered in Seligman’s blog and books help lighten the load.” Read More