About This Award
Created in 2002 by the National Children & Youth Committee, these awards are presented annually throughout the year to recognize the heroism and helpfulness of youths under age 18. In the past three years alone, more than 250 Youth Hero and Good Deed awards have been presented to deserving youth.
Award Criteria
Youth Hero
- May be a Junior Auxiliary member or someone eligible for membership, but eligibility is not a criterion for consideration
- Demonstrates a physical act of valor (Heimlich, CPR, first aid, rescuing from fire or water peril)
- Serves as an inspirational role model for the organization and the community
Youth Hero Award winners receive a medal and a certificate. On occasion, some Youth Hero Awards are presented at the American Legion Auxiliary national convention.
Good Deed
- May be a Junior Auxiliary member or someone eligible for membership, but eligibility is not a criterion for consideration.
- Donates time and/or money for a worthy cause (such as Locks of Love, a food drive, troop support, etc.)
Past Good Deed Award Recipient
Bryce Tirrill
November 30, 2009
To All Our Soldiers, This greeting comes to you from La Pine, Oregon. My son, Bryce, recently turned 7 years old. He dreams of becoming a soldier so that he can serve his country just like you are. His birthday party was a very heartwarming event for us and for all of his guests. Bryce decided he didn’t want presents from his friends but instead asked them to bring donations for the “Let’s Support Our Troops” event that the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 45 puts together each month. He wanted to make sure that you all know just how much he cares and appreciates what you are doing to protect us. It is his birthday gift to you.
Bryce has been very interested in the military since he was 2 years old and noticed a U.S. Marine commercial on TV. Since then, he has been very inquisitive about our military servicemen and women, our country, and our freedoms. The walls of his bedroom are decorated with 3' x 5' flags of each branch of our military, and he insists that I adorn his coats and backpack with military patches. He has been made fun of a time or two at school because of his patriotism, but I have used those experiences to teach him tolerance and understanding. Each night he prays for the safety of our soldiers around the world and prays they will be coming home soon from Afghanistan and Iraq.
It is very important to Bryce that our military personnel understand just how much they mean to him and his family. It has been Bryce's hope since his birthday that our servicemen and women from around the world would know that there are people who care and are very thankful for the sacrifices they make to secure our freedoms. To quote Bryce, "God please bless our troops." Sincerely, Debbie Tirrill