Gladstone Past Commander of Squadron 71 Sons of the American Legion (SAL) was honored for membership recruitment. John Pickard, Past Fifth Zone Commander of the Michigan Detachment of the Sons of the American Legion and Past Commander of Squadron 71 in Gladstone, has recently been honored with the Blue Brigade award and Jacket presentation by current State Commander John Beeman for recruiting a total of 30 new members in the past year, from 2022 to 2023.

According to Commander Beeman, “This award is in recognition and appreciation of outstanding achievement in recruiting 30 or more members for the Sons of the American Legion. Through such extraordinary achievement, this esteemed recruiter has singularly contributed to the growth and sustenance of the Sons of the American Legion, keeping ever strong its invaluable contribution to America's veterans, their families and communities throughout this great country.”

The Sons of the American Legion Detachment of Michigan represents over 26,000 members in the state. They were founded in 1932 as a program of the American Legion. Sons, grandsons and great grandsons of veterans, both living and deceased, are eligible to join SAL. Squad 71 meets every second Wednesday of the month at 6 p.m. at 802 Delta Avenue, Gladstone, MI.