Following the Wreaths Across America 2025 event at the San Francisco National Cemetery, the Branch gathered for our holiday luncheon  and presentation of awards and longevity pins.  While several members were unable to attend, the branch presented longevity pins to:

• John Abraham – Ordinary 25 Years
• Kristin Anderson – Associate 10 Years
• John Davis – Ordinary 35 Years
• Gerald Delisle – Ordinary 30 Years
• Phyllis Edmondson – Associate 15 Years
• Ruth Robles – Associate 20 Years

Each year Branch 25 considers whether there is any member worthy of the Legionnaire of the Year Award.  The award is described as:

The Legionnaire of the Year Award is another award available to recognize the hard work of many volunteers within our Branches. Legion Branches have dedicated members who volunteer countless hours each year towards their success. Branches are encouraged to choose one of their members each year from amongst these valued volunteers to recognize them as ‘Legionnaire of the Year.’

This year’s Legionnaire of the Year Award was Comrade Margaret Krieger.  In the nomination, it stated that traditionally the award goes to someone based on activities over the past 12 months.  However, in Comrade Krieger’s case the award is in recognition of her annual contribution to the Branch for at least the past decade as the Treasurer and a regular presenter in our services (often stepping in to fill duties for those who are unable to attend).  Unfortunately, Comrade Krieger was ill and not able to attend.

Finally, each year Branch 25 also considers whether there is any member worthy of the Branch Service Medal.  The award is described as:

This medal is awarded to members of the Branch to recognize the significant work accomplished by their many members, outside of, or prior to their acceptance to leadership positions. The qualification for the awarding of the Service Medal is to be a significant level of service provided by the member to their Branch. Although this medal is intended to be awarded to members who have not been members of the Branch, it may also be awarded in addition to any awards/medals previously received by the member for exemplary service over and above any responsibilities required for any offices held.

This year the Branch put forward Comrade Lisa Barbour for the Branch Service Medal.  Comrade Barbour has been around the Branch since 2016, attending almost every single event we have hosted as a Branch over the past nine years (although she only became a member of in 2022). During her time around the Branch, Comrade Barbour has provided countless volunteer hours helping to stuff the newsletters into envelopes each month, being the videographer for each of our services, and the unofficial photographer for all of our events.

Below is Comrade Barbour with her Branch Service Medal.