Mountaineer Unit 174 receives national excellence award

Mountaineer Unit 174, based in Morgantown, West Virginia, has been awarded the National President’s Award for Excellence at the 105th American Legion Auxiliary National Convention in Louisville, Kentucky.

Out of more than 7,400 American Legion Auxiliary Units across the United States, Mountaineer Unit 174 was one of only five units selected for this distinction. The award follows a visit from ALA National President Pam Ray in February 2026, during which she observed the unit’s ability to foster community and support younger generations.

Southern Division National Vice President Vickie Thrower-Mills noted that the unit excels at uniting various groups, including Legionnaires, schools, businesses, and Veteran Service Organizations. Elaine Sampson accepted the award on behalf of the unit's membership.