“Children and Youth are the Building Bricks for our Youth”
The Children and Youth Program emphasizes protecting, caring for and supporting children and youth, particularly those of veterans’ and military families.
To recognize and reward the positive actions of our children and youth, the American Legion Auxiliary has two special national awards bestowed to youth nominated by units: the Youth Hero Award and the Good Deed Award.
Kids of Deployed are Heroes 2 (KD2) is an initiative honoring military children who may be experiencing a separation from one or both parents, whether deployed to a war zone, having a short tour or on an extended temporary duty assignment.
Plan a celebration host a dinner, do a game night for military children during April for the month of the Military Child. Promote the “Kids of Deployed are Heroes 2” program by attending a deployment and giving the children of those deployed buttons to let them know their sacrifice of a parent or loved one’s military separation is appreciated.
The American Legion Auxiliary Children & Youth program strives to support and promote the Children & Youth program of The American Legion.
The Christmas Gifts forms need to be sent to Susan Heinz-Wojcik 126 Golfview Circle Prospect Heights, IL 60070 or email heinzwojciks@gmail.com no later than October 20, 2024. Forms given to the District and Division Presidents at the Fall Board Meeting.
Department Awards
Beulah M. Unfer Plaque – To the Unit Chairman who submits the best of overall participation in the Children and Youth Program. The report with pictures and award sheet must be submitted by May 1, 2025.
Personal –$10.00 Run up to the Beulah M. Unfer – To the Unit Chairman who submits the best of overall participation in the Children and Youth Program. The report with pictures and award sheet must be submitted by May 1, 2025.
Please send to Susan Heinz-Wojcik 126 Golfview Circle, Prospect Heights, IL 60070 email heinzwojciks@gmail.com 847-913-4998
Children and Youth Scholarship 2024 – 2025
Application MUST be submitted to the President of the sponsoring
American Legion Auxiliary Unit no later than March 15, 2025, Unit will forward entry to Department Children and Youth Chairman by April 1st, 2025.
The applicant must be working towards a degree in Education with emphasis on the subjects required for teaching mentally or physically challenged children. Applicants must be in sophomore or junior class in college when application is made. Applicants must be in the upper half of the class. The rest of the rules on the Application Rule form.
National Scholarship
Spirit of Youth Scholarship for Junior Members – The application deadline is due before Please follow the rules online and applications are submitted online. Completed applications are due on or Before March 1, 2025, 11:59 PM Eastern. National web page. Scholarships (legion-aux.org)
Susan Heinz-Wojcik | heinzwojciks@gmail.com | 847-913-4998
Special Olympics
Personal Awards
$10 and certificate of Appreciation for the Unit, the district, or division that brings the most riders to hand out construction toys, or stuffed animals (Bob the builder) etc. at the summer games. The entry to receive the award must be reached by the following Friday June 27, 2025.
$10 and certificate of Appreciation for the unit, the district or division that brings the most American Legion Family participation in the hospitality between the State Tennis, winter, and summer games for Special Olympics. The entry to receive the award must be reached by the following Friday June 27, 2025.
Please send to Sue Johnson 140 E Russell St, Rockton, IL 61072 americandancer13@gmail.com 815-222-3983
Mark your Calendars Special Olympic Dates:
Winter Games: Eagle ridge and Cascade Mountain in Galena, IL February 11-13, 2025
Summer Games: ISU in Normal, IL These games this year are pushed back a week due to the World Special Olympics held in Italy. June 20-21, 2025.
Tennis State games 2025 Evergreen Racquet Club 3203 E. Washington St, Bloomington, IL 61704. They are going back to 2 days due to increasing numbers. August 16-17, 2025
Rebecca “Sue” Johnson | americandancer13@gmail.com | 815-222-3983
Resources from National
- Children and Youth Facebook group
- Youth Hero/Good Deed Award page
- Youth Hero Award and Good Deed Awards forms
- Youth Hero Award and Good Deed media release templates
- Kids of Deployed are Heroes 2
- How to download and print “I’m a Hero 2” stickers
- Proud Parent of Military Child button order form
- Halloween Coloring Book
- Military Child’s Table Setting Ceremony
- Log into the National Website to Access these Items: Click Here
Department Resources