The American Legion has had quite an impact on members and veterans of the armed services, but the leadership and responsibilities of one local citizen have gone above and beyond what many have accomplished. Thomas L. Burns, the northeast regional national vice commander of the Legion and an Ocean View resident, was decorated last week with a prestigious award, the Chapel of Four Chaplains Bronze Medallion.
Coastal Point • Ryan Saxton
Thomas Burns received recognition in the form of the Chapel of Four Chaplains Bronze Medallion last week. Burns is one of the first five Legionnaires to receive the award.
“It’s quite an award,” said Burns. “I was so honored to receive this, with all these military people there; we were there among rear-admirals, colonels and generals.”
Burns was recognized for his dedication and commitment to the American Legion, and became one of the first five Legionnaires to ever receive the award for their work.
Each of the five national vice commanders for the Legion, including Burns, oversees a designated region across the country, promoting membership, operating a number of programs and events, and educating others on the history of the organization.
Burns’ region, which includes the northeast portion of the country, is ranked first in the nation for the Legion’s membership. He has twice earned the coveted “Race to the Top” award as district commander, maintaining a 100 percent membership rate.
“We’re still not quite where we need to be, but it’s nice to know that we’re doing our job with recruitment, and it’s good to be No. 1,” he said.
Each year, national vice commanders are selected based upon their merit with the Legion and in the community.
“When you figure there are only five of us selected each year out of 2.7 million members,” said Burns, “you know this isn’t something that will come around again.”
The five vice commanders this year have developed quite a bond, often meeting up and going out together when involved in trips and banquets. Their activeness earned each of them the medallion and certificate.
The Four Chaplains Foundation was established following the heroic conduct of four individuals in World War II. The early-morning German U-boat attack on Feb. 3, 1943, on the U.S. Army Transport Dorchester off the coast of Newfoundland sent the crew of 902 service men and civil workers into a frenzy.
Four unselfish lieutenants — Catholic, a Jew, a Methodist and one of Dutch Reformed faith — gave up their life-vests to four of the 230 survivors. Their sacrifice has since been relived by honoring those who have also given much. To date, 17 United States presidents have been awarded the honor.
“When I heard that,” Burns said, “I was shocked and privileged to be considered in the same group as them.”
“We do our jobs to the best of our ability,” said Burns of himself and the other national commanders, “and I just can’t say enough about what the Legion does. We don’t broadcast it as much as we should.”
The five will also get the chance to meet Pope Benedict XVI in a trip to the nation’s capital in next week.
“I’ve had the chance to meet a lot of important people, and it’s great to know you’re part of something so big,” he added.
“A lot of people have a misconception of what we do at the Legion,” he said. “We want the public to understand everything we’re here to offer.”
A number of events and organizations are associated with the Legion, including Heroes to Hometowns, Legion Riders and a variety of youth programs, such as Boy’s Nation and Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC). Each year, the Legion awards scholarships for Eagle Scouts and oratory contest winners. The Legion also works closely with foundations such as the Children’s Miracle Network.
“I can’t say enough about the programs we have here,” said Burns. “We do what we can to raise awareness and get publicity in this end of the state.”
Burns’ wife, Marsha, stays active with the women’s auxiliary, too, assembling the annual carnival each year.
Following his recognition, Burns will be traveling on Memorial Day to Colorado to present an American Legion award to a top cadet. In June, he will travel to the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y., to present an award to an outstanding American Legion baseball player.
The Pennsylvania native said he is proud to be part of an organization so dedicated to giving back to the citizens and has enjoyed working in the company of many fine men and women.
“We’ve got a good community. Everybody watches out for everybody,” he said. “It’s a wonderful organization”