Members of Hezzie Griffis American Legion Post 30 in Edgefield, S.C., earned two first-place awards in The American Legion's 2026 National Media & Communications Contest for projects highlighting the post's service to veterans and the community.

The Publications category honored "Post 30 Visits With Students in the Classroom," an article documenting members' visits to local elementary schools during Children & Youth Month. The story highlighted how Legionnaires worked with students to promote citizenship, patriotism and respect for the American flag. Commander Winston Boddie, Adjutant Jane Doolittle and Chaplain William Beaver were recognized as the article's authors, while Unit 30 Auxiliary member Diane Peterson provided the accompanying photography. The award-winning article can be read at https://www.alpost30sc.org/in-the-news/2025/american-legion-post-30-insp....

A second first-place award recognized the Community Cadence Fitness Walk campaign in the Social Media category. Boddie and Peterson were recognized for developing the campaign, which used social media to encourage veterans and community members to stay active, build fellowship and strengthen community connections.