HUTCHINSON, Kan. – The city of Hutchinson will host the 96th Annual American Legion State Convention May 16-18 at the Ramada Hotel and Conference Center.
Representatives of The American Legion, Sons of The American Legion, and American Legion Auxiliary from across Kansas will gather to conduct their individual conventions.
Saturday’s joint session of the Legion, Sons, and Auxiliary will convene at 7:50 a-m. The opening session will feature an address by Senator Roberts, the presentation of awards to youth program Champions, the Commander’s Americanism award, and the Service Officer of the Year Award. Legion Firefighter of the Year recipient Brian Fornwalt of Liberal, KS will be honored for his service. Hutchinson native Bill Shaffer, now with PBS affiliate KTWU-TV in Topeka and Chad Lawhorn of the Lawrence Journal World will be presented the Legion’s Fourth Estate Awards. Bechtel Construction Company will be presented awards for hiring veterans and older workers.
Saturday evening highlights will include receptions for National President Brown-Park and Leading Candidate Mike Helm. A fundraising dinner for the Child Welfare Foundation will also be held at 6:30 p-m.
The Convention will wrap up on Sunday with a Memorial Service and elections of next year’s state officers.