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Naperville American Legion will honor ‘Citizens of the Year,’ scholarship winners and past commanders

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UPDATE April 9, 2015 / Since 1986, Naperville American Legion Post 43 has annually recognized a Naperville citizen for extraordinary service. The program was expanded in 2014 to honor three Naperville residents in three different categories: Service to the Community, Service to Veterans and Service to Youth.

Beginning at 6PM Sat., April 18, the 2015 Citizens of the Year—Tracey Cowart, Wayne Fischer and Steve Mazzarella—will be recognized during the annual Past Commanders’ Dinner at the Judd Kendall VFW Post.

Tracey Cowart for Service to the Community

Cowart works a multitude of programs for the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce, American Cancer Society, Grace Pointe Church, St. Baldrick’s and IndieBound Naperville. She organizes and executes monthly collections for various causes including Operation Support Our Troops, Loaves and Fishes Pantry, DuPage Public Acton to Deliver Shelter, the Walk to Defeat ALS, the Naperville Area Humane Society and Wayside Cross Ministries, in which 1,100 coats were collected and donated. She also performs on the bag pipes.

Wayne Fischer for Service to Veterans

Fischer is past Commander of Naperville American Legion Post 43, DuPage County and 11th District, and incoming Commander of the 2nd Divisiion. From major events recognizing the service of WW II and Korean era veterans, the upcoming Department of Defense – 50th Anniversary of Viet Nam Commemoration, recognition of Blue Star families, Poppy Days, Post Officer recruitment, monthly dinners and serving as a trustee, and honoring deceased veterans, there is simply no activity in Naperville Post 43 to which he has not contributed.  He is also a dedicated, active member of the Veteran of Foreign Wars Post 3873, serving as a trustee and chair of the Lenten Fish Fry Fund Raiser among many other contributions.

Steve Mazzarella for Service to Youth

As a respected and beloved teacher and diving coach at Naperville North High School, Mazzaella’s life work has involved youth.  But the American Legion honors him for what he’s accomplished outside the classroom. He’s touched student’s lives by believing in them, by pouring time and energy into those who struggled, by caring about their outside activities and connecting to their real-life situations. These qualities were powerfully demonstrated by his deep involvement in Operation Snowball, a teen led substance abuse prevention program he mentored for over 20 years.  His tireless energy, enthusiasm, ideas and belief in the teens made him a compelling positive influence on them.

News update submitted by Jim Vahle, Publicity Chairman for American Legion Post 43

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The American Legion Post 43 will host its annual Past Commanders’ Dinner at the Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873, located at 908 W. Jackson.

Posted April 4, 2015 / The American Legion Post 43 is set to host the final dinner and social of the season beginning at 6PM Sat., April 18. Friends and family of members as well as the public are welcome.

As is tradition, this annual dinner in April is to “recognize our Post 43 Citizens of the Year, our Post 43 Scholarship winners, and finally our Past Post 43 Commanders,” noted Wayne Fischer.

The evening will start with a social hour at 6PM, dinner at 7PM, followed by the Program. As in the past, this annual event will be held at Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873.

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The Kendall Cooks are preparing to whip up another roast pork dinner with all the trimmings.

The world-renown Kendall cooks will be preparing roast pork; with au gratin potatoes; corn; salad; dinner rolls and special dessert prepared by Lee Lindberg.  Dinner costs $12 per person, payable at the door.

Organizers highly advise advance reservations as space is limited.

Confirmed reservations are due no later than Wed., April 15. Either respond via e-mail to Fischer at wayne.l.fischer@gmail.com or call him at (630) 240-8868.  Reservations also can be made by calling one of the callers listed in “Keeping Posted” or any of our Post 43 Officers listed at www.naperlegion.org.

The Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873 is located at 908 W. Jackson Ave.

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