Madison American Legion named top unit by veterans’ coalition
MADISON – The North Alabama Veterans & Fraternal Organizations Coalition or NAVFOC has named Madison American Legion, Post 229 as “Veterans’ Organization of the Year.”
Each year as part of Veterans Week in North Alabama, the NAVFOC organization announces its selection for the “Veterans Organization of the Year” and the “Veteran of the Year” award recipients. For the 2024 membership year, both honors were bestowed on Madison recipients: Madison American Legion, Post 229 and its Post Commander, Col. (ret.) Larry Vannoy.
NAVFOC is a coalition of more than 60 veterans’ service organizations in North Alabama. Member organizations nominate recipients for the awards. The NAVFOC Senior Advisory Council members select the awardees.
Sponsored by NAVFOC, the award presentations were conducted on Nov. 8 at the annual Veterans Day Dinner at the Von Braun Center. “These prestigious awards are given annually to one outstanding individual and organization that exemplify service and dedication to our veteran community,” Jean Downs said. Downs serves as Vice Commander of American Legion, Post 229.
Post 229 was recognized for its strong and consistent presence across the City of Madison and Madison County, engaging its members in programs that support their mission throughout the year.
Madison American, Legion Post 229 is among the top American Legion posts in Alabama. Post 229 consistently meets or exceeds all metrics for effective American Legion programs within their communities.
Post 229 takes pride in its efforts to serve the veterans of Madison County with its programs, like monthly Game Nights at the Floyd E ‘Tut’ Fann State Veterans Home in Huntsville, bi-monthly Coffee and Donuts outreach events at Huntsville VA Center, monthly Veterans’ Breakfast, annual Veterans Retreat and the work of its Veteran Service Officers and Honor Guard.
“The post has created a meaningful partnership with the senior living facilities in the City of Madison to honor and remember the veterans and their spouses,” Downs said.
“Post 229 is heavily engaged in youth programs in schools across Madison County, with a focus on fostering patriotism, good citizenship and respect for our veterans. The post’s sponsorship of Boys State, Scouts of America and Girl Scout troops, JROTC units in schools, American Legion baseball and the annual American Legion Oratorical Contest are all examples of these programs,” Down said.
Madison American Legion, Post 229 embodies what veterans support organizations should be: truly, a veterans’ ‘SERVICE’ organization. “The post has improved the quality of life of veterans and their families in our community through education and assistance with veterans’ benefits, along with events and ceremonies to honor veterans’ service throughout the year,” Downs said.
Membership in American Legion is open to all veterans, regardless of time of service or wartime affiliation, as long as the member was honorably discharged. Veterans, spouses and relatives are welcome to join Madison Post 229, the Unit 229 Auxiliary, Junior Auxiliary or Sons of the American Legion organizations.
For more information, visit Americanlegionpost229.org.
