The Pennsylvania American Legion Department Convention is going strong! On Friday, July 14th we started the convention session with a Call to Order from Department Commander Craig Wilhelm. Department Sergeant-at-Arms Anne Pospisil did the Salute to the Colors followed by the invocation by Department Chaplain Rev. Richard Denison. The National Anthem was sung by the Music Director from Camp Hill Church of God, Mrs. Christine Cooksey.

Commander Wilhelm held the POW/MIA service and Anne Pospisil started the Pledge of Allegiance. We were welcomed by the Department Officers including Commander Wilhelm, Eastern Vice Commander Richard Schiloendorn, Central vice Commander Beverly Glover, Western Vice Commander Jeffrey Olson, Alternate National Executive Committeeman E. Michael Stelacio.

We were greeted by guest speakers including the U.S. Senator Casey's State Director Teresa Dennis; PAC, Orthopedic Surgery, Michael J. Crescenz VA Philadelphia Eric Drennen; PA Ambassador, Military Women's Memorial Kathy Silvia; PA District 33 Senator Doug Mastriano; Camp Lejuene Justice Act Coordinator, Bergmann and Moore Annita Best; Deputy Adjutant General of Pennsylvania (ARMY) Brig. Gen. Laura HcHugh; and Deputy Adjutant General, Veterans Affairs Brig. Gen. (PA) Maureen Weigl.

There was plenty of awards given during Friday's session including:

Essay Contest - 2023 State Champion Mila Acostas-Morals sponsored from Waynesboro.

Keystone Boys State - 2023 Governor Arjun Ray sponsored by Newtown. The Post sending the most boys to KBS is The Carl Neff Post 571 from Erie with 6 students. The District sending the most boys to KBS is District 9 with 20 students. We were also greeted by the KBS 2023 Governor Arjun Ray.

Children & Youth - 2023 Educator of the Year Kevin Klein from Gettysburg. The Posts awarded were Class 1 Elm Tree Post 88 from Philadelphia; Class 2 Corp. John Loudenslager Post 366 from Philadelphia; Class 3 Frackville Post 398; Class 5 Baden Post 641.

Marketing, Media, Fundraising, and Communications - 2023 John C. "Ace" Mann Blue Cap of the Year was awarded to Manuel Griffin Post 869 from Archbald; Public Relations Volunteer Award to Michelle Shade Post 109 in Mechnicsburg; Media Award Internet to Post 43 Camp Hill; Media Award Radio Post 385 Henry Hill Philadelphia.

Blood Donor - Class 1 Post 88 Elm Tree with 20 pints donated; Class 2 Post 828 with 48 pints donated; Class 3 Post 974 with 232 Pints donated; Class 5 Post 15 with 661 pints donated.

New Post/Post Home - Class 2 - Post 21 William Roche Philadelphia; Class 3 Post 668 Bateman Gallagher Wayne; and Class 5 Post 272 Robert H. Hoke Linglestown.

Americanism - Class 1 Post 88 Elm Tree Philadelphia; Class 2 Corp. John Loudenslager Philadelphia; Class 3 Post 473 Freeland; Class 5 Post 571 Carl Neff Erie.