PenFed Foundation honors Club's American Legion Post 20, awards grant to Military Veterans in Journalism

The PenFed Foundation for Military Heroes recognized the Club's American Legion Post 20 with its Community Hero Award at a gala held at the National Press Club on May 15.

American Legion Post 20 was founded Nov. 19, 1919, at the urging of WWI Gen. John J. "Black Jack" Pershing, an associate member of the Club. 

 “No one can cover defense issues and the military like someone who has worn the uniform. We need more veterans in newsrooms, and Post 20 is more than honored to receive this Community Hero Award," Post Commander and Club Member Tom Young said.

Club Member Zack Baddorf, vice commander of American Legion Post 20 and co-founder of Military Veterans in Journalism (MVJ), accepted the award on behalf of Post 20. 

The PenFed Foundation also awarded a $25,000 grant to MVJ to support veterans who pursue journalism careers. Baddorf said the grant would enable MVJ to provide more educational and training opportunities to its members and defray the costs for some veterans to attend the group's annual convention to be held in Chicago on July 8. on July 8, 2025.  

“This generous support will immediately open doors for veterans who might otherwise face financial barriers,” Baddorf said. “The foundation’s investment will help veterans amplify their voices in newsrooms across the country.”

Andrea McCarren, president of the PenFed Foundation for Military Heroes and senior vice president and chief content officer of PenFed Digital, said the foundation recognizes that "veterans bring unique perspectives and hard‑earned skills to American journalism, By investing in their professional development, we are strengthening both journalism and our democracy.”