June 7, 2025
Syracuse, NY – American Legion Auxiliary Unit 1468 member Kelly Galvin, Sons of the American Legion Squadron 1468 member Joseph Lathrop and American Legion Auxiliary member Susan Fleming were all honored with the American Legion Exemplary Service Medal.
From the text of the award announcement: “I’ve always believed that volunteering without seeking personal recognition or compensation is the ultimate expression of the American spirit. It’s the selfless acts that inspire us all.
Everything we do in the American Legion revolves around volunteerism, so it’s easy to critique.
American Legion Auxiliary Unit 1468 member Kelly Galvin and Sons of the American Legion, Squadron 1468 member Joseph Lathrop are pretty much at every Legion meeting or event.
They are content to sit, unobserved in the background, running a raffle, 50/50, or taking attendance. But also unobserved are the countless other tasks they perform, such as setting up the meeting halls, lugging equipment from one spot to another, making food runs when Bob or I forget, and helping just about anyone else when needed. Until they go back and sit, again unobserved, in the background.
Taking Kelly and Joe for granted can be easy… but not today.
American Legion Auxiliary member Susan Fleming is a shining example of the quiet, behind-the-scenes worker that drives our successes.
Whether it’s at the State Fair or the CNY Veterans Parade and Expo, Susan is always there, ready to lend a hand. Her no-nonsense approach and unwavering commitment to achieving our goals make her an indispensable part of our team. She is never one to promote herself or “peacock.”
Taking Susan for granted can also be easy… but not today.
On behalf of the Officers and Executive Board of the Onondaga County American Legion, we are deeply grateful for the service of Kelly Galvin, Joseph Lathrop, and Susan Fleming. Their dedication and hard work have been instrumental in the success of the Onondaga County American Legion during 2024 and 2025. It is with great honor that we present each of them with the American Legion Exemplary Service Medal.
KELLY M. GALVIN, JOSEPH D. LATHROP, and SUSAN FLEMING, In recognition of and sincere appreciation for non-stop, exemplary service to the members of the Onondaga County American Legion for the 2024/2025 American Legion year.
