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MOH recipient Donald Ballard calls on Legionnaires to welcome, mentor and integrate the next generation into �鶹��ƵAV.

Donald “Doc” Ballard received his Medal of Honor for his actions during the Vietnam War. On Sept. 1, he focused his speech on imploring attendees at �鶹��ƵAV national convention to welcome, mentor and integrate the younger generation of veterans.

Ballard encouraged Legionnaires to engage in suicide prevention efforts. “What are you doing to prevent suicide? Ask yourself, what's your post doing?”

Additionally, he advised posts to build a foundation for the future of the organization.

“You should be turning it over to the younger veterans that are going to outlive you,” said the longtime Legionnaire. “You're the strongest organization. As an organization, �鶹��ƵAV has done more than any other organization for any veteran. But the kids don't know that. They don't know you set up the VA. They take it for granted the VA is there. I want to educate the veteran, the new veteran, the future veterans on how important it is to join and be part of �鶹��ƵAV.”

Ballard also noted the Legion’s Buddy Check program, which began in 2019 and recently surpassed 2.1 million wellness checks on veterans.

“Encourage them to join,” he said. “Be prepared to take care of them when they come in. Help them help themselves. They want Buddy Checks. They do a better job than we did. They're a younger group who were bonded in combat and they've lost that. They have no one to reach out to. They have nobody who cares and that's terrible. No one cares. Let's make a difference.”

Ballard has had an impact on countless lives, including those he saved when he  on May 16, 1968.

Additionally, Ballard assisted American Legion National Commander Dan K. Wiley in presenting the Legion’s Spirit of Service awards to this year’s recipients on stage. They are:

• Army Specialist Jenna McIntosh

• Navy Culinary Specialist Brianna Cruz

• Marine Cpl. Jessi Stegall

• Coast Guard Marine Science Technician Third Class Zachary Epps

• National Guard Sgt. Thomas Rowley

• Air Force Senior Airman Julissa Martinez-France

• Space Force Specialist Jonathan Ingram