Veterans Affairs Awards
Several of these awards, as noted, are given to one post in each of these membership categories:
- Posts with 15 to 150 members
- Posts with 151 to 300 members
- Posts with 301 to 500 members
- Posts with 501 to 750 members
- Posts with 751 to 1000 members
- Posts with 1001 and over members
The following awards are judged by the Department Veterans Affairs Committee.
JOHN CHILCOTE MEMORIAL TROPHY
Awarded to the District with the greatest percentage of Post Rehabilitation Reports filed with Department Headquarters by the specified date. The plaque to be held by the Post within the winning District determined to have the best Rehabilitation Report.
Being confined to wheelchair due to the loss of his legs in World War II did not slow John O. Chilcote down. His election to Department Commander in 1958 culminated a Legion career that supported the Americanism and Child Welfare Programs. John threw the first pitch at an Orioles-Yankees game that featured two American Legion Baseball graduates, Hoyt Willhelm and Gus Triandos. His administrative year saw the formation of the Child Welfare Foundation, the first of the three Legion Foundations.
PAST DEPARTMENT COMMANDER HERBERT L. RHODES MEMORIAL TROPHY
Awarded to the Post excelling in Rehabilitation programs. In order to compete for this trophy a Post may attach any evidence, claims, photos, exhibits, etc. to their Report form. Awards will be made in the membership categories.
The Department Commander in 1938-39, Herbert L. Rhodes brought the sensibilities of a successful businessman to the operation of the Department. He was instrumental in procuring an additional 125 beds for Maryland veterans in the Marine Hospital in Baltimore. A Veterans Placement Bureau was operated by the Department Headquarters to secure jobs for veterans during his term. Commander Rhodes’ administration helped directly 512 children with financial aid and provided ten cabins for crippled children at Camp Greentop. At his home Post, Hamilton #20, Herbert L. Rhodes is remembered for a note of harmony in providing the instruments for the “Yankee Rebels” Drum and Bugle Corps.
EARL B. WRIGHT MEMORIAL TROPHY
This award will be given to the Post in each District that submits the most outstanding Service Officer’s activities, submitted on the proper report form. Earl B. Wright was appointed as Maryland American Legion Department Service Officer by Department Daniel Burkhardt in 1975. He served in that capacity until semi-retirement in 1998, when he became DSO Emeritus and Consultant. He held that position until his final illness, resulting in his death at Perry Point VA Medical Center on April 17, 2000, at age 78.
Earl was a member of Huntemann-Huff Post 110, elected Post Commander 1954-55. Known nationwide as a Service Office’s Service Officer, Earl was consulted by American Legion and other organization Department Service Officers from all over the USA. He served three decades as a member of the Rehabilitation Foundation and later became Chairman during that period.