Vince Santilli Awarded 71st Annual American Legion Department of Connecticut Americanism Award

Vince Santilli, CEO and Executive Director of Homes for the Brave in Bridgeport, CT, was recently honored with the 71st Annual American Legion Department of Connecticut Americanism Award. The prestigious award honors one individual per year from Connecticut whose service promotes true Americanism.

The award is the American Legion Department of Connecticut's highest honor, recognizing individuals or groups for exceptional service to veterans and the nation. Santilli was presented with the award at the 107th Department Convention in Trumbull, CT in recognition of his service, dedication, patriotism and unwavering support of veterans and their families.

Subscribe

"I, and the entire team at Homes for the Brave, are immensely honored to receive this award. Our goal is to help veterans who are struggling right now to graduate from our programs and go out into their communities to become a positive force," said Santilli.

Under Santilli's direction as CEO and Executive Director of ABRI/Homes for the Brave, the organization provides critical housing, counseling, and support services to homeless U.S. military veterans across Connecticut. Significantly, Homes for the Brave operates Connecticut's first and only community-based transitional home exclusively for women Veterans and their young children experiencing homelessness.

"I have known Vince since before my involvement with the American Legion for the last 13 years. Vince exemplifies the definition of Americanism every day. Americanism is not only a word; it is a cause, a way of life, a challenge and a hope in our world of turmoil," said Paul Niche, Americanism Commission Chairman and Commander James B. Whipple Post 86 in Wilton.

Santilli was nominated for the award by three separate Legion posts. Previous award recipients have included Governors Ella Grasso and William O'Neill and retired UConn Men's Basketball Coach Jim Calhoun.

"The Preamble to The American Legion's Constitution begins with the words, 'For God and Country, we associate ourselves together.' Vince's dedication to God and Country is something he shares with The American Legion," said Mike Kellett, American Legion Department of Connecticut 2025-2026 Commander. "At its core, Americanism is how we put that commitment into action: by serving our communities, honoring those who have served, and working together to strengthen America for generations to come."

Established in 2002, Homes for the Brave's mission is to help individuals experiencing homelessness, hunger and mental health challenges, almost all of whom are U.S. military Veterans, return to productive and meaningful lives. Through housing, vocational training, and clinical services the organization empowers veterans to leave homelessness behind forever. To learn more, visit www.HomesForTheBrave.org or call (203) 338-0669.

Chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919, the American Legion is the nation's largest veterans' service organization. It is committed to mentoring and sponsorship of youth programs, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security and continued devotion to service members and veterans. To learn more about the American Legion Department of Connecticut, visit www.CTLegion.org or call (860) 436-9986.