Lambert receives national American Legion award
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Donald Lambert of Elkins receives the American Legion Spirit of Service award for the National Guard in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 21.
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Elkins native Donald Lambert received the American Legion Spirit of Service award for the National Guard in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 21 at the Renaissance Hotel.
Lambert served as the youngest Post Commander in the history of the American Legion Post No. 29 in Elkins.
He is a graduate of Elkins High School with the class of 2014 and is also a 2018 graduate of Glenville State College with a degree in history and political science.
The Spirit of Service award is given every year at the National Convention of the American Legion to enlisted members of the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Coast Guard, and the U.S. Air National Guard who distinguish themselves in their communities and their professional achievement.
Senior Airman Lambert, between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2019, spent time assisting the American Legion in Elkins as the youngest Post Commander, 9th District Commander, and Membership Vice Chairman at the Department level.
At only 24, he guided over 4,000 members of the American Legion covering over 9,000 square miles of West Virginia in membership and recruiting as well as assisting locally accumulating over 550 hours of volunteer service.
During this time as well, he served as a counselor at American Legion Mountaineer Boys State where he helped nearly 400 incoming high school seniors learn good Americanism through participation by assisting them in running a mock state government.
Due to COVID-19, this year's award was given in a special ceremony alongside the National Law Enforcement Officer and National Firefighter of the Year award. Those receiving the award alongside Senior Airman Lambert included Specialist Matthew J. Turley for the U.S. Army, Sgt. Justin T. Middlemiss for the U.S. Marine Corps, Staff Sergeant Amy-Christy Amakihe for the U.S. Air Force, and Seaman Amanda Moore for the U.S. Coast Guard. Jasmine Johnson of the U.S. Navy was unable to attend the ceremony.
Also in attendance were Sgr. Ryan N. Berney, who was the Firefighter of the Year, and Lt. Robert Berg Jr, who was the Law Enforcement Officer of the Year.
During the ceremony, National Security Division Chairman Steve Bannon stated "This award is so significant. To me, these are the most significant awards in The American Legion. Your names will forever be written in the book of excellence. For the Spirit of Service awards, it embodies their branch of service and core values. Not only are they serving their military with pride, but in their free time, they are dedicating massive amounts of time to do things for their community."