Mission Purpose:
The purpose of SSgt Robert C. Melberg American Legion Virginia Beach Post 110 Youth Programs is to support community outreach and specifically encourage the engagement of our area's youth with programs that promote the values of Americanism, instill a sense of patriotism and duty to the country and help lead the way towards potential service in our country's armed forces.

Below is a list of the current Youth Programs we offer followed by a photographic and historical record of Post 110 Youth Program events.

• The SSgt Robert C. Melberg, USA, American Legion Post 110 of Virginia Beach, VA presented awards to two very deserving NJROTC Cadets at Cox High School on May 22, 2025. Making the presentations were Tim Richardt, president of the Americian Legion Riders Chapter 110 and Legionnaire Joe Mahachek. Receiving the awards were Cadet Ensign Ayden Schweitzer, 'Military Bearing Award' and Cadet Petty Officer Second Class Alexander Renault, 'Scholarship Award'. In the photo (left to right) are Tim Richardt, Cadet Schweitzer, Cadet Renault and Joe Mahachek. (Photography by Bert Wendell, Jr.)

• The SSgt Robert C. Melberg, USA, American Legion Post 110 of Virginia Beach, VA presented awards to two very desiring NJROTC Cadets at Landstown High School on May 12, 2025. Post Commander Ron Basso presented the American Legion 'Scholarship Award' to Cadet Ensign Alexander Boone and the 'Military Bearing Award' to Cadet Ensign Lucas Lee. In the photo (left to right) are Cdr. William Brody, USN (Ret.), Senior Naval Science Advisor, Cadet Ensign Boone, Post Commander Basso, Cadet Ensign Lee, and Chief Petty Officer Young, USN (Ret.). (Photo by Bert Wendell, Jr.)

• American Legion Auxiliary, Virginia Department, awarded the 'Youth Hero Award' to Vada Carawan on March 26, 2025 in Virginia Beach, VA. Making the presentation of a certificate and medal was Tonya Jones, President of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 110. Vada Carawan was sited for her quick action when her father was having a health emergency. She applied CPR chest compressions to her dad while on the phone with the 911 dispatcher. With the help of paramedics, who quickly arrived, her dad's heart was beating again. What's incredible is that 11 days prior to this incident, she had learned CPR procedures at her Girl Scout meeting. In the photograph (l to r) are Jesse Basso, Cyndi Fisher, Debbie Castrinos, Vada Carawan, Tonya Jones, Dale Smith and Mary Kinkin. (Photography by Bert Wendell, Jr.)

• The SSgt Robert C. Melberg, U.S. Army, American Legion Post 110 of Virginia Beach, VA held an Oratorical Contest on October 23, 2024. Three students gave an 8 to 10 minutes oral presentation on the United States Constitution. They were Caylee Norris, a Home Schooled student; Kenul Vantwest, Princess Anne HS student; and Aarya Rajashekara, Catholic HS student. The winner of the very close competition was Aarya Rajashekara (center) who was presented with an American Legion Certificate of Distinction and a check for 100 dollars. He will now move on to the 2nd District competition. Making the presentation was Post Commander Ron Basso (left) and Post Adjutant Fred Kinkin (right). (Photography by Bert Wendell, Jr.)

• The SSgt Robert C. Melberg, U.S. Army, American Legion Post 110 of Virginia Beach, VA is sponsoring the Landstown H.S. NJROTC Shooting Team for school year 2024-2025. On October 17, 2024, Post 110 Commander Ron Basso visited with CDR William Brody, USN (Retired), Senior Naval Science Advisor, and with members of the school's shooting team. The shooting team uses the Crosman Challenger PCP Compressed Air Rifle. In the photo (left to right) are Post Commander Ron Basso, Cadet LT Ghezel Siloonga, Cadet LT Marlon Harris, Cadet SCPO Evan Cook, Cadet PO3 Ryleigh Morse and CDR Brody. (Photography by Bert Wendell, Jr.)

• Landstown and Cox/First Colonial High School's NJROTC Units gave presentations to members of the SSgt Robert C. Melberg, U.S. Army, American Legion Post 110 of Virginia Beach, VA on August 28 and September 25, 2024, respectfully. Each unit's representatives talked about their backgrounds, achievements and future goals. In the left photo are (left to right) Cadet Christina Ortiz, Cdr. Bill Brody, USN (Retired) and Cadet Raymond Robles. In the right photo are (left to right) Lt. Tyrone Guzman, USN (Retired) and Cadet Brodie Rapine. (Photography by Bert Wendell, Jr.)

• During the July 24, 2024 meeting of the SSgt Robert C. Melberg, USA, American Legion Post 110 of Virginia Beach, VA certificates and medals were presented to those individuals that attended the 2024 Virginia Boys and Girls State Programs. All four attendees are students from Catholic High School. Each attendee was given an American Legion Certificate and medal which was presented by Post Commander Ron Basso. They also received a Congressional Certificate and Letter of Appreciation from Congresswoman Jen Kiggans, Virginia 2nd District, which was presented by Tyler Edmonds, Kiggan's District Chief of Staff. In the photo (left to right) are Commander Ron Basso, Former Virginia Governor Robert 'Bob' McDonnell, Aarya Rajashekara, Roy Fulmer, Nolan Greene, Deeya Rajashekara (Girls State), and Tyler Edmonds. (Photography by Bert Wendell, Jr.)

• Virginia State Police Junior Law Enforcement Program graduates Ian Walters and Paige Willis were awarded with American Legion Certificates during the July 24, 2024 meeting of the SSgt Robert C. Melberg, USA, American Legion Post 110 in Virginia Beach, VA. Walters and Willis are both students and NJROTC Cadets at Gloucester High School in Gloucester, VA. Making the presentations was Post Commander Ron Basso. In the photo (left to right) are Former Virginia Governor Robert "Bob" McDonnell, Post Commander Ron Basso, Ian Walters, Paige Willis, and Vice Commander 3rd District and Post 75 Commander Dr. David C. Workman. (Photography by Bert Wendell, Jr.)