AMERICAN LEGION FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Members of Edward H. Bitzer American Legion Post 27, American Legion Auxiliary and the Sons of the American Legion (SAL) join together as a family to sponsor a Scholarship program for the children, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren of all members in good standing (or deceased) of one of the three Post 27 units mentioned above.
Under the program guidelines, (1) $1,500 scholarship will be available for a student currently enrolled in their senior year of high school. Scholarships are awarded to students who best demonstrate a strong sense of character, Americanism and leadership qualities through their grades, school activities, and community involvement. Financial need and the ability of the applicant and family to provide funding for higher education is also a consideration. The scholarship is for use at any accredited college, university, junior college or trade school in the state of Iowa to cover a wide variety of educational costs.
In order to obtain more information, there are brochures detailing the program, including eligibility requirements and selection criteria, available at the American Legion. Students can also obtain a brochure along with an application form at their High School Guidance Counselor’s office or through the Scholarship Committee members listed in the brochure.
Applications Accepted January 1 through April 15. If you have a family member whom you feel may be qualified to apply, please encourage them to do so!
JUNIOR SHOOTING SPORTS PROGRAM
The American Legion Post 27 Junior Shooting Sports Program is a gun safety education and marksmanship program that encompasses the basic elements of safety, education, enjoyment and competition. Shooters use the .177 caliber air rifle. Both males and females can participate, through Legion sponsorship; disabled youth are encouraged to join, as competitive shooting is a sport that creates an equal playing field for all competitors. Junior Shooting Sports is a three-part program that combines the Basic Marksmanship Course, Qualification Awards and Air Rifle Competition into a well-rounded activity.
Basic Marksmanship Course
The Basic Marksmanship Course, given to Shooting Sports participants, offers comprehensive instruction for beginning shooters with little or no marksmanship experience. Designed for an instructor’s easy use, the course teaches gun safety and marksmanship fundamentals, using short lectures or discussions, followed by hands-on activities.
Qualification Awards
Graduates who want to keep improving their skills can enroll in air-rifle qualification courses provided by the National Rifle Association and the Civilian Marksmanship Programs. These courses offer personal skill-development ladders for shooters to achieve established performance standards.
Air Rifle Competition
The annual 3-Position Junior Air Rifle National Championship is a tournament that begins with postal matches. State and/or regional champions are determined and advance to a qualification round (also a postal match) to determine the athletes who will earn expense-paid trips to compete in the national championship. The national championship is a shoulder-to-shoulder match held each July at the USA Shooting range facilities at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs.
Contact local squadron leader Mike Blanchard (Sons of The American Legion) 563-299-8113 for more information.
Iowa American Legion Hawkeye Boys State (A Training Program in Citizenship and Democracy)
Iowa American Legion Hawkeye Boys State is a weeklong “Hands-On” experience in the operation of the democratic form of government, the organization of political parties, and the relationship of one to the other in shaping Iowa government. Through the Boys State objective of “learning by doing”, young men will learn more about city, county and state government in one week than they would in an entire semester of high school.
Boys State is an exercise in leading as well as following others. Elections are an opportunity to show the ability to perform under pressure and to show character in the face of victories and/or defeats. Boys State will test skill in solving problems and working effectively within a team.
Boys State is an opportunity to gain pride and respect for our form of government and the price paid by people to preserve democracy. The week contains ceremonies and assemblies as well as marching and pageantry. Guest speakers, such Past National Commander of The American Legion David Rehbein, and former director of the Iowa High School Athletic Association Bernie Saggau, along with Iowa government leaders attend each year to offer their vision and advice. Daily flag raising and lowering ceremonies are conducted at Boys State.
Boys State is a chance to meet new people. With nearly 500 delegates in attendance, Boys State offers an opportunity to meet people who represent Iowa’s diversity in heritage and culture. One of the finest objectives afforded to young men by Boys State is the friendships they will form with other Boys State citizens, many of whom will become lifelong friends.
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