A public safety officer, Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps Cadets, and members of the American Legion Post 26 family were recognized for excellence during the American Legion Post 26 annual awards dinner held Tuesday.

Senior Public Safety Officer John Massey, of the Aiken Department of Public Safety, received the American Legion Post 26 Public Safety Officer of the Year award. Massey distinguished himself as a leader and a motivator, setting a high standard of performance for himself and his team. Massey demonstrates a proactive approach to public safety with an unmatched work ethic that keeps him among the top officers for arrests and traffic stops. His willingness to assist his shift-mates with any task, reflects his team-first mindset and his dedication to the department’s mission.

JROTC Cadet Julia Stone earned the American Legion JROTC Scholastic Medal and JROTC Cadet Gretchen Morgan earned the Legion’s JROTC Military Excellence Medal. Stone and Morgan both attend South Aiken High School. The Scholastic Medal is awarded to a cadet based on their overall scholastic achievements. The recipient must be in the upper 10 percent of their class and must be in the upper 25 percent for all Naval science courses. The awardee must also demonstrate leadership and actively participate in extracurricular activities such as athletics or student organizations. The Military Excellence Medal is awarded to a cadet based on their general military excellence and whose academic standing is in the upper 25 percent of their class. Stone and Morgan were unable to attend the dinner and will be presented their medals at a later date.

Within the Post 26 Legion Family, a Legionnaire, an Auxiliarist and a Junior Auxiliarist were recognized for their outstanding contributions.

Grace Billeci, a Junior Auxiliarist with Auxiliary Unit 26, received the Youth Auxiliary Member of the Year award. Billeci, age 16, is dual enrolled at Aiken High School and University South Carolina Aiken, and has inspired growth, teamwork and a true spirt of “Service Not Self” through her leadership by example. Billeci guided the newer Junior Auxiliary members with patience and purpose while setting the example in organizing service projects, preparing meals and refreshments for veterans at the Fort Gordon Fisher House, the Aiken Veterans Administration Clinic and for members of Post 26. She additionally helps set up the Post 26 building for events including decorating and cleaning the Post.

Dawn Billeci received the Auxiliary Member of the Year award for her work with Auxiliary Unit 26. Billeci, who recently became president of Unit 26 after serving as its Vice President, earned her award through her demonstrated remarkable dedication to both Auxiliary Unit 26 and Post 26. Billeci developed the Yoga for Wellness program at Post 26, providing veterans and first responders with mental and physical health support. She also launched the Fourth Friday Lunch event, providing veterans and Post 26 members with a lunch, activities and fellowship. Billeci mentors the Junior Auxiliarists, serves on the Veteran Affairs & Rehabilitation committee, and expanded the meal-sharing initiative that now serves as the cornerstone of the Junior Auxiliarists’ service efforts. She is relentless in her pursuit of finding funding through grants to help improve the Post 26 building and to sustain and expand Unit 26 and Post 26 community activities.

Charlie Lambert, a member of Post 26 and Secretary of the Legion Riders Chapter 26, received the Legionnaire of the Year award. Lambert earned his award through his consistently volunteering his time to make improvements to the post and within the community. Lambert volunteered to do the electrical work needed for the Post’s new flag poles and memorial wall as well as prepping and painting the memorial wall itself. Lambert assisted several people in his community in the wake of Hurricane Helene, helping them with electrical connections for generators and ensuring they were ready for power when it was restored. Lambert built an access ramp for a disabled veteran to make access to his home easier. Lambert’s actions throughout the year demonstrate the “devotion to mutual helpfulness” that is the closing of the American Legion’s Preamble.

“I am honored to be able to recognize the selfless service and excellence demonstrated by these community leaders,” said Frank Carson, Post 26 Commander. “The American Legion is a service organization, and our awardees exemplify selfless service, servant leadership and dedication to our community that are at the heart of the Legion’s mission.”

The awards were presented during a ceremony and dinner held at Post 26. Comcast, as part of their growing partnership with Post 26, sponsored the dinner and Southern Gal in the Valley catered the event.