OF THE YEAR AWARDS
Of The Year Awards
- Post nominations must be forwarded to your District Chairman by August 1st
- Each District nomination will be forwarded to Department no later than September 15th
- Eagle Scout Nominations must be received by Department headquarters no later than March 1st
- Eagle Scout Nominations must be received by National headquarters no later than April 1st
Nomination Sections
Department National Security Commission
Of The Year Awards
The American Legion seeks to recognize well-rounded public service candidates who have exceeded about and beyond the expected duties of their position for public recognition. Post, County, District, and Department may recognize a Law Enforcement Officer of the Year, Firefighter of the Year, and Civilian Life Saver of the Year. The Department National Security Commission will judge nominations based on community service, professional career record, heroism, and will consider press articles and letters or recognition.
Civilian Life Saver Of The Year
The Department National Security Commission strongly encourages every Post and District to recognize a (1) Law Enforcement Officer of the Year, (2) Firefighter of the Year, and (3) Civilian Lifesaver of the Year for a record of commendable service. Districts must submit their nominee’s packet to Department HQ no later than noon on September 15th.
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The Firefighter of the Year for 2025 is being awarded to Lucas Woodward, a dedicated firefighter and EMT-paramedic with the Sidney Fire Department. This prestigious award was nominated by American Legion Post 217 in District 2.
Since joining the Sidney Fire Department in 2018, Lucas has consistently demonstrated a commitment to improving the organization and making a positive impact. He is a certified Firefighter Level 2, Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic, Public Safety Fire and EMS Instructor, and an American Heart Association Advanced Life Support Instructor. He is also Technical Rescue and Hazardous Material Technician Certified. He also volunteers with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office as a tactical medic for the Special Response Team.
Lucas has served honorably in the Ohio Army National Guard as a Combat Medic with the 837th Engineer Battalion, 1-134th Field Artillery, and 1-148th Infantry. During his service, he deployed with Task Force Griffin to Afghanistan from 2011 to 2012. During Covid-19, Lucas was activated with the Ohio Army National Guard in support of medical efforts around the State of Ohio.
His commitment to excellence has been recognized by both the community and his Fire Department Family, who have bestowed upon him numerous awards for his exceptional service and dedication.
Law Officer Of The Year
Lucas Woodward - Fire Fighter Of The Year
If you have any questions, you may contact your District National Security Commission Chair or Department Coordinator, Jacob Brault at 740-362-7478 or by email at legion@ohiolegion.com
Department Awards Point System
The following point system shall be used by the Department National Security Commission to judge the nomination package of any Law Enforcement, Firefighter, or Civilian Life Saver.
Professional Career: 40 points
Community Service: 35 points
Acts of Heroism: 20 points
Citations/Awards: 5 points
Total Points: 100 points
OBJECTIVE
To select and honorably recognize well-rounded candidates who have exceeded above and beyond their position’s expected duties.
District Guidance
Annually, each District may nominate one Law Enforcement Officer, Firefighter, and Civilian Life Saver, with the attached nomination form and guidelines.
Posthumous Nominee Eligibility
A nominee is eligible to receive an award posthumously if the death in the line of duty occurred between July 1st and April 1st.
Child Welfare Worker
Of The Year Award
“To contribute to the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs of children and youth through the dissemination of knowledge about new and innovative organizations and their programs.”
“To make wider, more effective use of the knowledge already possessed by well established organizations to the end that such information will benefit youth and be more adequately used by society.”
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The Department of Ohio Children & Youth Commission created the Child Welfare Worker of the Year award to recognize those front-line civilian warriors who work tirelessly on behalf of children every day.
The Child Welfare Worker we honor this evening is William Dieterle, who is the Executive Director of Santa’s Hide-a-way Hollow. Over the course 40 years, William has given sick and dying children a chance to celebrate their last Christmas, by being Santa. He built the North Pole Village for children to visit, free, and not open to the public.
Santa’s Hide-A-Way Hollow welcomes all children and their families with critical and terminal illnesses- all disabilities. It has 22 structures nestled in 55 wooded acres in Middlefield, designed to look like the North Pole.
Santa’s Hide-A-Way Hollow, described as “A Magical place Tucked in Your Heart Where the Spirit of Christmas Lasts Forever”, began as a dream, and was completed in 1992. What started as a desire to help terminally ill children and their families, has resulted in a Christmas retreat from the reality of their illness, creating wonderful memories instead. The mission of Santa’s Hide-A-Way Hollow is to bring families together during a very difficult time in their lives. It provides a perfect setting for a visit with Santa Claus, no matter the date.
William works with hospitals, other nonprofit organizations, local police and fire departments, and a team of volunteers and donors to bring Santa’s Hide-A-Way Hollow to life.
William Dieterle - Child Welfare of the Year
Matt Berman - Educator of the Year
Educator
Of The Year Award
Since 1994
In 1994, the Ohio American Legion created the Department “Educator of the Year” award to recognize the efforts of outstanding teachers and administrators in the State of Ohio for their role in helping to shape and direct the lives of the future of our state; the students in our Ohio schools.
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The educator we honor this evening is Matt Berman, who is an educator at Washington Local Schools. Mr. Berman has a very impressive list of accomplishments that we all should strive for within our educational system. He has been teaching for over 21 years and currently teaches 10th through 12th grade in Advance Placement American Government & Politics, American Government, Current Events, and Economics.
Matt has done an extraordinary job enriching students with his passion for Americanism and Government, and facilitates his students taking the A&G Test. Matt also coordinates annually a salute to Veterans to honor all service members at Whitmer High School. A shining example of Matt’s passion for veterans has been him and his students collecting donations for the Gifts For Yanks program. Mr. Berman and his students have collected over $60,000 for Gifts for Yanks since the program was created.
What makes Matt Berman an exceptional teacher?
He is passionate in promoting veterans causes and ensures that students at Toledo Whitmer High School understand the importance of not only the foundation and principles of the United States government, but also love and respect for our Nation’s Soldiers and Veterans.
Washington Local Schools Superintendent stated that Matt has been instrumental in shaping curriculum, fostering professional development, and ensuring that students receive a high-quality education.
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Legionnaire
Of The Year Award
This award is to highlight the efforts and contributions of a Legionnaire that reflects participation and involvement within Posts, District, Department and National programs.
This will be awarded at Department Convention therefore, nominations need to be received by Department Headquarters by May 1st.
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The American Legion Department of Ohio recognizes individuals who make a difference within our communities. Each year, Legionnaires submit nominations to award the Department Legionnaire of the Year.
The Legionnaire of the Year Award is to highlight the efforts and contributions of a Legionnaire that reflects participation and involvement within Posts, Districts, Department and National programs. This year’s recipient is a Global War on Terrorism Veteran and new of Hanover Post 764 in Newark, Ohio. Post 764 1st Vice Commander William little nominated him for this award, stating that “he immediately got to work trying to organize files, bring paperwork up to speed, and get remaining documents into the new OneDrive system. He also took on the enormous task of adapting the original constitution and bylaws to today’s standard and new operations in the Post. He not only does these tasks while raising a young child, supporting a wife, working full time, putting children through college, watching children mature in the Navy, but he was also doing them while assisting with property repairs and upgrades”. Please help me welcome to the stage, your 2024 Department Legionnaire of the year, Barry Priest.
Barry Priest - Legionnaire Of The Year
Representative Steve Demetriou - Legislator of the Year
Legislator
Of The Year Award
Must be a current member of the United States Congress or the State of Ohio General Assembly or was a member of the United States Congress or Ohio General Assembly at the time of application.
Eagle Scout
Of The Year Award
- Eagle Scout Nominations must be received by Department headquarters no later than March 1st
- Eagle Scout Nominations must be received by National headquarters no later than April 1st
Active Supporter of Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Explorers
There are 135 American Legion Chartered Scouting Units in the Department of Ohio with over 2,600 participants.
The Department presents the “Department Eagle Scout of the Year” award annually. The Department winner advances into the National American Legion competition and receives a $500.00 financial award from the estate of Mikeal and Frances Golato.
Eagle Scout Of The Year
John Murphy- Chaplain of the Year
Department Chaplain
Of The Year Award
Each District will send in their Post Chaplain award winner to Department immediately following their District summer convention. The fourteen (14) District Chaplain award winners will be voted on by the Religious Emphasis Committee and selected as the Department Chaplain of the Year, to be awarded at Department Convention.
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The American Legion Department of Ohio recognizes individuals who make a difference within our Posts, Districts and communities. Each year, Posts submit nominations to their District leadership for selection of a District Chaplain of the Year.
The 2025 Department Chaplain of the Year Award will be presented to John Murphy of Post 196 in the 13th District, who has performed outstanding service by his devoted guidance to The American Legion, and that all activities he is involved in are in keeping with the spirit of "SERVICE TO GOD AND COUNTRY".
Special Olympics Athlete
Of The Year Award
Noah Hiles - Athlete Of The Year
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For over 30 years, the American Legion Department of Ohio and the Children & Youth Commission has been an active supporter of Ohio Special Olympics. From Post’s donating to local Special Olympic programs, to Department being the distinguished partner for Special Olympics Ohio and the Law Enforcement Torch Run, we wholeheartedly believe in their mission as well as the talent of their athletes. This year, we wanted to recognize a male and female Athlete.
First up, our male Special Olympics Athlete of the Year, Noah Hiles.
Noah exemplifies leadership, dedication, and sportsmanship in every aspect of his athletic journey. His commitment to growth is evident in his outstanding attendance, relentless training, and determination to improve. After placing 4th in his powerlifting division at the 2024 Summer Games, Noah worked tirelessly with a trainer and returned in 2025 to earn 2nd place overall—a testament to his perseverance and drive.
Beyond competition, Noah’s character shines through his care for others and his sense of community. Whether helping an opposing player during a basketball game or encouraging a teammate after a tough moment, Noah leads with empathy and respect. As part of the SOOH Athlete Leadership program, he serves as an assistant coach for Cornhole and is helping to develop athlete and volunteer recruitment initiatives. Noah was also chosen as the spokesperson for the 2025 Polar Plunge, where his positivity and support inspired everyone involved.
Noah is more than an athlete—he’s a connector, a motivator, and a true ambassador for Special Olympics Ohio. His influence reaches far beyond the playing field, building friendships, fostering belonging, and showing what it means to lead with heart.
It is my honor to award Noah Hiles as the American Legion Department of Ohio’s Male Special Olympics Athlete of the Year.
Special Olympics Athlete
Of The Year Award
Rachel Russell - Athlete Of The Year
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Next up, our female Special Olympics Athlete of the Year, Rachel Russell.
Rachel is the embodiment of what it means to be an athlete in Special Olympics Ohio—dedicated, kind, and inspiring. Her positive energy and contagious smile lift everyone around her, creating an environment where athletes feel valued and supported. Whether on the field, court, or in the dugout, Rachel goes above and beyond to help her teammates succeed, offering encouragement, assistance, and friendship at every turn.
She leads by example, welcoming new athletes with open arms and making sure they feel included from day one. Her sportsmanship shines even in competition—cheering for opponents who struggle and reminding everyone that respect and kindness matter most. Rachel’s thoughtfulness is unmatched; she often brings small gifts for teammates and coaches, brightening their day and showing how much she cares.
Since joining the program, Rachel has become a role model for athletes and coaches alike. Her dedication to every sport she plays, her ability to motivate others, and her unwavering compassion make her an extraordinary leader. Rachel doesn’t just play the game—she transforms it into a celebration of teamwork, inclusion, and joy.
It is my honor to award Rachel Russell as the American Legion Department of Ohio’s Female Special Olympics Athlete of the Year.
Special Olympics Volunteer
Of The Year Award
Kennon Coleman - Volunteer Of The Year
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Volunteers are the backbone of the Special Olympics movement. They are coaches, trainers, officials, event organizers, fundraisers and managers. They can also be unified partners- playing alongside athletes with intellectual disabilities- or fans cheering in the stands.
As a strong partner and advocate for Special Olympics Ohio, we wanted to recognize an incredible volunteer. Kennon Coleman embodies the spirit of the Law Enforcement Torch Run and the heart of Special Olympics Ohio. A dedicated third-shift Sergeant with the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, Kennon’s commitment to the mission goes far beyond his demanding work schedule. He serves as the Southwest Region Torch Run Leg Leader, a Law Enforcement Torch Run Council Member, and a medal presenter at Summer Games.
Kennon’s leadership shines through his tireless efforts: organizing the Caesar Creek Polar Plunge, helping orchestrate the Southwest legs, and Final Leg of the Torch Run, and even volunteering for the inaugural Super Plunge—completing 24 icy plunges in 12-degree weather. His servant leadership is evident in every action. Kennon attends meetings during his sleep hours, leads events with a smile, and inspires others through his humility and unwavering dedication. He’s expanded LETR’s social media presence, built strong community connections, and even presented about LETR and Special Olympics Ohio to local Rotary Clubs.
Kennon Coleman is not just a supporter—he is a driving force behind the movement. His selfless service, passion for the athletes, and relentless energy make him a true Guardian of the Flame and a cornerstone of the future of Ohio LETR. It is my honor to award Kennon Coleman as the American Legion Department of Ohio’s Special Olympics Volunteer of the Year.
Special Olympics Coach
Of The Year Award
Russ Moye - Coach Of The Year
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Coaches are mentors and teachers that make a difference in your life. They give you courage and determination to strive to be your best. They help shape both your performance and your character.
Our Department Commander also wanted to recognize an outstanding Special Olympics Coach, Russ Moye.
Coach Russ Moye is more than a coach—he’s a builder of confidence, character, and possibility. Known for his ability to see greatness in every athlete, Coach Moye creates an environment where players feel valued, challenged, and capable. His philosophy is simple yet powerful: he doesn’t lower the bar; he raises their belief to meet it. Whether working with seasoned athletes or those stepping onto the court for the first time, his approach is rooted in respect, high expectations, and unwavering support.
This year, Coach Moye led his Division 5 basketball team to the state tournament for the first time in Murray Ridge history—a milestone that speaks volumes about his leadership and the culture he has built. For athletes who have often been told what they couldn’t do, this achievement was proof of what they can. His practices are filled with encouragement, accountability, and genuine connection. He celebrates effort as much as achievement, and he ensures every athlete knows they matter. Coach Moye’s impact goes far beyond wins and losses. He empowers athletes—especially those with intellectual and developmental disabilities—to believe in themselves, work harder, and dream bigger. Parents and players alike credit him with instilling dignity, discipline, and a sense of belonging. His legacy isn’t just written in the record books; it’s written in the hearts of the athletes he mentors. For Coach Russ Moye, coaching isn’t about building a team—it’s about building a family and a future full of possibilities.
It is my honor to award Russ Moye as the American Legion Department of Ohio’s Special Olympics Coach of the Year.
Department Commander's Spirit Of Service
Of The Year Award
Laura Gray and Nicholas Lippert
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The final hardworking individuals and foundation we would like to honor with the Department Commanders Spirit of Service Award, is the U.S.S. Cleveland Foundation.
In the fall of 2018, soon after the announcement that the United States Navy would honor the people of Cleveland by naming a ship for the city for the fourth time in American history, a small group of dedicated citizens began planning for the ship’s commissioning. Unlike the previous three U.S. Navy ships named for Cleveland, the future USS Cleveland will be commissioned right in her namesake city.
The group outlined plans for a multi-decade initiative that would: (1) bring the ship to life at commissioning; (2) support the ship’s crew during her service life (20-25 years); and (3) return the ship to Cleveland upon her retirement from Naval service to serve as an enduring memorial and museum that would honor all four U.S. Navy ships to have carried the name Cleveland.
Today, the USS Cleveland Legacy Foundation is underway as a nonprofit organization with strong initial support from Greater Cleveland’s business community, nonprofit organizations, and charitable foundations, as well as a growing list of individual donors. Like her predecessors, the future USS Cleveland will represent the people, achievements, history, and future of Cleveland, Ohio. From school children to senior citizens, from military veterans to the families of those currently serving, the USS Cleveland Legacy Foundation and the four ships it honors represents an opportunity to celebrate all that is good about one of America’s great cities.
Their mission is to send USS Cleveland to the Fleet
with the greatest start possible, to support the ship
and crew throughout her service life, and to
welcome her home to Cleveland at the completion of
her Naval service.
It is our honor to award Larua Gray and Nicholas Lippert with the U.S.S. Cleveland Foundation, the Department Commander’s Spirit of Service Award.