MADISON – Members of Madison American Legion, Post 229 recently demonstrated its confidence in local children and teenagers by presenting sponsorship checks to youth groups in Madison and Harvest.

Madison’s American Legion, Post 229 distributed sponsorship checks to several local youth organizations, including Junior ROTC units at Bob Jones, James Clemens and Sparkman high schools; Girl Scout Troop 926 of Madison; and Boy Scout Troop 201, which meets at Monrovia Middle School.

The presentation at Bob Jones included Principal Sylvia Lambert; Tom McKinney, Post 229 Americanism Committee Lead; Cadet Battalion Commander with Air Force Junior ROTC; Post 229 Commander Larry Vannoy; and JROTC Chief Master Sergeant Ellis Clark, who coaches the Bob Jones Archery, Drill, Honor Guard and Marksmanship teams.

“Part of the mission of the American Legion is to promote Americanism and citizenship within our youth,” American Legion, Post 229 Commander Larry Vannoy said. “The American Legion strives to engage these local youth organizations in our programs to honor veterans. This outreach is an important part of our post’s annual programming.”

The three JROTC battalions, the Girl Scouts members and the Boy Scouts participants provide outstanding support to the post’s local activities throughout the year, Vannoy said.

These projects include placing flags for Memorial Day and Veterans Day on gravesites of individuals with military service; the annual Memorial Day ceremony and program at Captain Jesse Ollie Wikle Jr. Veterans Memorial Park on Front Street in downtown Madison; official procedure and service for flag retirements; laying wreaths during the Christmas season at veterans’ graves; and other activities throughout the year, according to Jean Downs, Madison Auxiliary Unit President.

In addition, the American Legion sponsors the marksmanship teams annually at Bob Jones, James Clemens and Sparkman.

For more information about Madison American Legion, call 256-468-8400, email Commander@AmericanLegionPost229.org or visit AmericanLegionPost229.org. For more information about the American Legion Auxiliary, call Downs at 256-929-8450 or email ALAux229@yahoo.com.