The memory and contributions of veteran Frank Stromberg were front and center on Aug. 17 when members of the Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873 visited Tabor Hills Residence to present Laury Dobson with the Stromberg “Buddy” Award.
Friends and acquaintances from Naperville Township as well as fellow members of the VFW were on hand when Dobson, a dedicated U.S. citizen awash in community spirit, expressed his desire to sing “God Bless America.”
Past Commander Phil Maughan presented the award with a few tributes to Dobson who had served as a Navy SEABEE in World War II. Maughan said Dobson later had had a long business career with Sears. After retirement Dobson started a second career with his wife as they became entrepreneurs, collecting and selling used items.
Dobson chimed in with a correction saying that he and his wife had sold “old junk at a profit.”
The table in front of Dobson displayed a certificate in recognition of a brick that was placed in a memorial Garden at the VFW National Home.
Mike Barbour, Past Commander and Co-Chairman of the annual Buddy Poppy Campaign, noted that Dobson “won the Stromberg award for all the things he has done for Veterans. … We wanted to put a little cheer in his life.”
Many Naperville residents will recognize Dobson as the veteran who for many years collected donations for Buddy Poppies during the week of Memorial Day at his favorite station at the entrance of Casey’s Foods in Naperville Plaza.
According to Barbour, the award is presented each year by the outgoing Commander to that individual in the Post who best represents unselfish service to his country, community and comrades, preserving the past, protecting the future and providing assistance and support to fellow veterans in need.
RELATED STORY: Column about the Stromberg ‘Buddy’ Award & Laury Dobson by Mike Barbour
