Local man wins national American Legion award

    Murphy – In his first year as commander for American Legion District 25, J.D. Baker earned a spot at the top nationally. He was awarded first place for his category in the legion’s National District Commander Race-to-the-Top Competition.
    “I didn’t know I was going to get this,” Baker said. “I didn’t know I was that close.”
    The competition is based on membership recruitment and retention. Baker said District 25 had reached 110 percent of its goal. He was one of five commanders recognized across the nation for the achievement, each in different categories based on district size.
    Baker was told he was also second overall. Other recognized commanders were Steven Anderson of Utah, Bo Durham of North Carolina, Bruce Carl of Florida and Robert Suelter of Florida.
    Winners receive a polo shirt, cap, shadowbox and a trip to the 2021 national convention or a financial stipend since the 2020 convention was canceled.
    He said for him to earn this award, all units in the district played a part by reaching at least 100 percent of their goal. District 25 is composed of 10 units in western North Carolina – Post 96 in Murphy, Post 88 in Brevard, Post 61 in Canton, Post 143 in Cherokee, Post 108 in Franklin, Post 532 in Hayesville, Post 370 in Highlands, Post 192 in Robbinsville, Post 104 in Sylva and Post 47 in Waynesville.
    Baker said communication was the key. He contacted each post every week, and supported them in their efforts to increase membership.
    “We just worked extremely hard,” he said.
    American Legion membership is open to all veterans, no matter how long or when they served.
    “If you served one day, you can be in the American Legion,” Baker said.
    He said being a member is very important to him, as he gets to support the community, help other veterans, serve on the honor guard
for veteran funerals and teach Americanism in schools. He said posts are diligent in getting youth involved in programs and in awarding scholarships to students.
    Baker has served in the American Legion for nine years, the last four in Murphy. In the Murphy post, he serves as chaplain. He was elected district commander and started his term last June and is starting his second year as commander this month.