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American Legion Post 176 in Springfield hosts dinner for program’s staff, leadership and counselors. 

The 100 American Legion Boys Nation senators don’t arrive at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport until June 18. But the unofficial kickoff of the Legion’s annual program that gives an inside look at the federal legislative process took place Wednesday night in Springfield, Va.

American Legion Post 176 hosted a dinner for national staff, leadership, volunteers and counselors who will lead Boys Nation over the next eight days. It’s an annual tradition, and one the post looks forward to each July.

Post 176 Commander Denise White led a reception line outside of the post that greeted each guest as they headed into the building and later noted the importance of Boys Nation.

“It is an honor to host the elite team that grooms our future leaders,” White said. “Your dedication to mentoring these young men soon to be seniors, and the impression you leave on them is extremely important and greatly appreciated.”

Recently elected Department of Virginia Commander Scott Maddrea, a member of Post 244 in Henrico, said he’s served as a Virginia Boys State counselor since 2000 and spent 34 years working with the Virginia General Assembly for 34 years before retiring.

“I really have a deep appreciation for the work that you’ve got ahead of you this coming week as you try to condense the legislative process down to these young men,” Maddrea said.

American Legion Past National Commander Clarence Hill, in his first year as Boys Nation director, thanked Post 176 for opening its doors to the Boys Nation staff. “We appreciate what you’re doing,” he said. “It makes people like us keep coming back and supporting the program,” he said. “It’s that grass-roots support … for all the (American Legion youth) programs that keeps it all going.”

Last year’s Boys Nation president, Morgan Johnson, returned this year as a junior junior counselor in the Washington Section. A freshman at Harvard University, Johnson said he is “just grateful for the support from every level of the Legion to make programs like this – that changed my life, changed all these guys’ lives – possible.”

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