Our American Legion Auxiliary Salute to Servicemembers Award honors all military personnel who are currently serving our country in the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, Space Force, and the National Guard/Reserve. The award is given to one servicemember from each branch of service, as well as National Guard/Reserve. 

This year, there were 34 submissions for this award in all branches but Space Force.
 
Each year, recipients are invited to attend the ALA National Convention as honored guests where they are presented with the award on stage and given the opportunity to share their story with the convention general assembly. 

Read on to learn more about our 2025 Salute to Servicemembers Award recipients. 
 
U.S. Army: Sgt. Jared N. Reber
(Nominated by Urbana Unit 71, Department of Illinois) 

“I deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Freedom Sentinel and today has a significant effect because we lost 13 servicemembers on this day,” he said. “I had the honor of being beside many of my brothers and sisters, but those 13 gave the ultimate sacrifice.”

From the nomination form: 
On Sept. 11, 2001, Jared Reber was allowed to return home from school once he heard of the attack on the World Trade Center. As it turns out, his mother was flying that morning for work, and they prayed she was all right. Finally, she was able to call home and let him know she was safe. This is what started Jared on a path to the military.  

After a deployment, Sgt. Reber returned to American soil on Sept. 11, 2021, the 20^th anniversary 9/11, with other soldiers. They began talking about 9/11, and it was then that he realized the majority of his fellow soldiers were not even alive on 9/11. He took it upon himself to educate these young soldiers about the importance of this date and the fear that was instilled in him, and in America.
 
U.S. Air Force: Sen. Master Sgt. Charles Robbins Jr.
(Nominated by Shore Boros Unit 351, Department of New Jersey) 
 
“When I learned I was being recognized with the Salute to Servicemembers Award, I was truly speechless,” he said. “To be selected as the Air Force winner is an incredible honor and I’m deeply humbled and grateful for this award. The American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary have always played an important role with my family as I grew up.”

He added, “I’ve strived to embody the Air Force core values which closely align with the Auxiliary’s mission statement, Service Not Self. It’s a guiding principle for all of us here.”

From the nomination form: 
Buddy Checks are a daily part of Senior Master Sgt. Robbins’ everyday life. As members of The American Legion Family, we know the importance of Buddy Checks. Senior Master Sgt. Robbins is a native of Toms River, N.J., and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 2008. He played American Legion Baseball from 2001-2004, is a 2003 graduate of New Jersey Boys State, and while growing up, he helped or participated in many American Legion functions at all levels. He is a current 18-year member of Shore Boros American Legion Post 351. 
 
U.S. Navy: Senior Chief Patrick Dixon
(Nominated by Unit 56, Department of Hawaii) 

“I’m here following the legacy of my 95-year-old grandfather who answered the call of our great nation,” he said. “It’s been my pleasure serving my country.”

From the nomination form: 
Senior Chief Patrick Dixon has provided guidance for the religious program specialists assigned to Chaplains Religious Enrichment Development Operation, having become the subject-matter expert in this field.  
On top of the time and dedication given to his position, he goes above and beyond in his free time as well. For example, he assisted a local business in building their “Skillbridge” program, so that servicemembers can have a smooth and educated transition out of the military.  

To summarize, part of the nomination from Hawaii sums it up best: “He loves helping others and being a standup citizen. He is humble to the point of never even wanting acknowledgement for all the kind gestures he does, which makes him all the more eligible for winning such an award.”
 
Air National Guard: Chief Master Sgt. Ronald J. Polivka
(Nominated by Pleasant Dale Unit 354, Department of Nebraska) 

“Deployments taught me with the chance to serve with all the branches, everyone wears a different uniform, and we do things a little differently,” he said. “But number one, we’re there to protect the country, and number two, we’re there to serve.”

From the nomination form: 
Chief Master Sgt. Polivka enlisted in the U.S. Air Force Air National Guard in June 1986 and has served for 39 years.

His current assignment finds him as the group senior enlisted leader, for the 170th Group at Offutt Air Force Base. He is the principal advisor for the group commander on all enlisted matters, to include the health, welfare, morale, professional development, and effective utilization of all enlisted personnel assigned to the 170th Group.  
Chief Polivka has been a member of Pleasant Dale American Legion Post 354 in Pleasant Dale, Neb., for 13 years.  
 
U.S. Marine Corps: Lance Cpl. Jonathan F. Morocho-Ludizaca
(Nominated by Hugh Gilbert Strickland Unit 138, Department of Florida)
 
“I stand before you today deeply honored and proudly humble to accept this award,” he said. “This recognition means more to me than I can ever express. Not only because it highlights individual achievement, but because it reflects the duty and courage that I have served alongside to my unit. This award is a symbol to me, not only for the values we carry forward, such as integrity, courage, and commitment, to something greater than ourselves.”

From the nomination form: 
As an adjutant clerk and inbound/customer service administrative clerk with the consolidated personnel administration center for the U.S. Marine Corps Forces Central Command, located on MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Morocho-Ludizaca has grown and excelled in his professional duties. 

In April, in support of the Month of the Military Child, he spent time volunteering for the Military Child Parade, as well as supporting other activities at West Shore Elementary School in Tampa. He also assisted with a school supply drive at the Child Development Center on MacDill Air Force Base. 

Prior to Memorial Day weekend, Morocho-Ludizaca spent a few hours in making sure a gravesite of one of his fallen comrades was in pristine condition ahead of the holiday. 
 
U.S. Coast Guard: Petty Officer First Class Casey Boyle
(Nominated by Sitka Unit 13, Department of Alaska) 
 
 
“I can’t thank the American Legion Auxiliary enough for this award opportunity,” he said. “Please keep inspiring the next generation the way that you inspired me.”

From the nomination form: 
Petty Officer Boyle is an exemplary sentinel and asset to the U.S. Coast Guard, according to his superiors. 
Boyle’s dedication continues beyond his military service. 

Much of his volunteer efforts contribute to his local American Legion post. He has impacted programs such as the National Emergency Fund, Operation Comfort Warriors, Child Well-Being Foundation, and Be The One.
Boyle heads up his local post’s game night, where he leads youth in the fundamentals of Magic the Gathering, a collectible trading card strategic game, where they learn to read, think, and communicate. It forces them to put down their devices and interact with one another. He has partnered with MagicKids to ensure our Legion Family has the items needed to support this leadership building game.