By Sara Fowler 

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 12 submissions for this award, and the first year for a U.S. Space Force nomination. 
 
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. 

“Celebrating our servicemembers here on this National Convention stage is a moment I look forward to every year, and I think you would all agree it’s one of the best things we do,” said 2025-2026 ALA National President Pam Ray. 

Read on to learn more about our 2026 Salute to Servicemembers Award recipients. 

U.S. Army: Sgt. Maj. Lauren T.S. Flores
(Nominated in the Department of Hawaii) 

“DPAA’s motto is simple and it’s profound: until they are home,” Flores said from the convention stage. “It is this exact promise that bridges my military service with the mission of the ALA. Your mission is rooted in an unwavering devotion to veterans, servicemembers, and their families. Together, we share that sacred trust.”

From the nomination form: Lauren is a mortuary affairs specialist, stepping into one of the military’s most difficult and sacred career fields. She is the first female senior enlisted advisor for the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency. Lauren has spent decades building stronger communities through mentorship, coaching, and organizational development, particularly for women and girls in hockey.

U.S. Navy: Operations Specialist Master Chief Mark Bell 
(Nominated in the Department of Virginia) 

“To the American Legion Auxiliary, thank you for this tremendous honor and for continuing to recognize and support those who serve,” Bell said from stage. “The greatest measure of our service will never be the awards we receive. It will be the people who are better because we chose to serve. That, to me, is Service Not Self.” 

From the nomination form: Mark has the immense responsibility of preparing a next-generation aircraft carrier crew for the rigors of fleet operations. He has directly contributed to the warfighting readiness of the United States Navy. Serving on the Habitat for Humanity Family Selection Committee, he has played a direct role in identifying and helping deserving families break the cycle of poverty by securing stable affordable housing. He also leads volunteer teams in physically restoring and repairing homes for disabled veterans, ensuring those who served our nation can live with dignity and safety.  

U.S. Coast Guard: Petty Officer Ellen Davis 
(Nominated in the Department of Virginia) 

Davis enlisted in 2017 at 25 years old, with no real direction in life, she told the audience from the convention stage. One day, she talked to her chief about wanting to be an officer and from then on, she started making changes to better serve her community and the Coast Guard. 

“I am so humbled and honored to be with you all here today,” she said. 

From the nomination form: Ellen is a production recruiter with the U.S. Coast Guard recruiting office in Hampton Roads. She develops unique solutions to make the Coast Guard the service of choice. She established the annual Tidewater Coast Guard Festival in Chesapeake, Virginia, whose mission is giving the Hampton Roads community a sense of connection with their Coast Guard. Ellen volunteers for up to six hours a week as a coach for youth soccer players. She introduced them to the value of teamwork, sportsmanship, leading self, and leading others. 
 
U.S. Space Force: Master Sgt. Ryan Braat
(Nominated in the Department of Florida) 

“Your tireless volunteerism fuels and inspires us,” he said from stage. “Knowing that we have patriots like you standing behind us makes our mission so much easier to accomplish. Thank you again for this recognition. I will continue to wear this uniform and carry this honor with immense pride every single day.”

From the nomination form: Ryan is the launch operations team chief for the National Recon Office. Hemobilized and led 1,000 hawk watch volunteers across three western states in a 256-hour ecological protection effort. The team analyzed 900 raptors — safeguarding these birds of prey.

National Guard/Reserve: U.S. Coast Guard Reserve Boatswain Mate First Class Shane Parent
(Nominated in the Department of Michigan) 

“It is quite an honor to be recognized by such a wonderful organization that does so much to help our communities and support our country’s servicemembers,” Parent said from the stage. 

From the nomination form: Shane is an expert in water and safety local ops. He volunteers at his church as a church safety team member and youth leader. He is a dedicated member of American Legion Post 175 in Saranac, Michigan. Quote: “Mental and physical resilience stand as testimony to his character and his dedication to those he serves...” End quote. Shane’s devotion to service extends beyond his uniform to his community.

U.S. Air Force: Staff Sgt. Beautiful Reliford
(Nominated in the Department of Arkansas) 

Reliford was unable to attend National Convention, but attendees still gave her a round of applause for her service. 

From the nomination form: Beautiful has managed multiple high-priority projects, ensuring timelines are held to and executed by her 12-member team. While stationed in Korea, she volunteered with local humane societies, supporting animal welfare initiatives and contributing to positive relationships between the military and local communities.