Lorton resident Jim Glassman walked into American Legion Post 24 on July 25 expecting the executive committee meeting he was attending to be routine. But his fellow officers and board members knew otherwise.

“I was completely taken aback,” said Glassman as he was presented with the 2012 Virginia Legionnaire of the Year Award, a first in the history of the post located in Alexandria. “I'm not a 'rah, rah' guy. I prefer just to stay in the background and do my job.”

A Vietnam veteran, Glassman joined the American Legion more than 39 years ago. He serves as the adjutant for Post 24 and is the District 17 administrator for American Legion Baseball throughout Northern Virginia.

“I did not join the American Legion 39 years ago for recognition,” Glassman said. “I joined because I believe in the principles that the Legion stands for.”

Post 24 Commander Bill Aramony nominated Glassman for the award.

“I can think of no one who deserves this award more than Jim Glassman,” Aramony said. “He has truly earned this award not only for what he has done in the past, but for what I know he will do for The American Legion in the future.”

In addition to his 15-year tenure as Post 24's baseball coach, Glassman serves as the communications officer and the VA rehabilitation service officer, assisting members with Department of Veterans Affairs claims. Additionally, he pays monthly visits to Post 24 members living in assisted living facilities.

“Jim is the first one to volunteer his time and services to help our veterans,” Aramony said. “But he is also the last person to ever talk about it.”

Glassman is a regular Saturday morning fixture at the Alexandria Old Town Farmer's Market, manning the Post 24 table and sharing information on the many Legion programs that are supported in local communities.

“It is a great honor to be selected by the Department of Virginia as their Legionnaire of the Year,” said Glassman, who was also named the District and Regional Legionnaire of the Year. “There are many Legionnaires throughout Virginia whose work is just as important in their communities. To be selected means that we, at Post 24, were recognized by our colleagues for the hard work we do and will continue to do."