American Legion Post 168, Thurmont
The 2nd Annual Chili Cook-Off was hot again this year! While we hope it was the cold weather that kept people from joining us, we look forward to having this exciting event again! Our winners were Harry Welch—first place; Jeannie Doane—second place; and Jenny Freeze/Rob Jones—third place.
The 2026 membership year will be coming to a close in June. Have you paid your 2026 dues? Do you have your 2026 membership card? Stop by the Legion, pay your dues, and pick up your card at the same time, or email your payment, and your card will be sent to you. The Membership Picnic will be here before you know it, and you will need your 2026 card!
K9 Veterans Day honors military and working dogs. Even before a training program was established to train dogs for work in battle, they were serving as soldiers’ companions and protectors. During the Civil War, two dogs named Jack and Sallie served alongside their fellow soldiers and helped raise their regiment’s morale. While many dogs served during World War I, it was not until March 13, 1942, that the Dogs for Defense program was established to train dogs to serve. With the U.S. entering World War II, Dogs for Defense called upon citizens to donate their beloved pets to be trained for battle. During the war, a mixed-breed dog named Chips earned both the Purple Heart and Silver Star for saving countless U.S. soldiers’ lives on the battlefield.
High School seniors, are you planning on continuing your Education? Did you know that the Legion has Scholarships available? Information should be on the Naviance website and needs to be handed into the Guidance Office by April 1, 2026, for the Legion and SAL, and for the Auxiliary by April 15, 2026.
The Poppy Poster Contest is open to students in grades 2-12, including students with special needs. Requirements for the poster are a fitting slogan (only 10 words, including “American Legion Auxiliary”) and include a red poppy, on 11×14 poster board paper. The rules for the contest can be found in the lobby at the Thurmont American Legion. Posters must be turned in to the Legion by March 16, 2026. For more information, please send an email to thurmontlegionaux168@gmail.com or visit www.legion-aux.org/national-poppy-poster-contest.
High School juniors, if you are interested in Boys/Girls State, visit your Guidance Office or call the Thurmont Legion at 301-271-4411, and a representative will reach out to you. Boys State is held at McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland, on June 21-27, 2026. For more information, check out the website at https://mdlegion.org/boysstate/. Girls State is held at Salisbury University on June 21-26, 2026. Check out the website for more information: https://mdboysgirlsstate.org/girls-state on Facebook ALA Maryland Girls State – Official.
Pictured from left are Rob Jones, Harry Welch, and Jeannie Doane, winners of the American Legion Post 168’s 2nd Annual Chili Cook-Off.
