Naperville American Legion hosts socials, seeks nominees for ‘2016 Citizens of the Year’

Above/ Members of the Naperville American Legion Post 43 will host their annual banquet to honor its “Citizen(s) of the Year” on April 16 at the Judd Kendall VFW. First, however, the local veterans’ organization will host its March social and dinner cooked up by the Kendall Cooks with an Irish menu on Sat., March 19.

Back in 1986, Naperville American Legion Post 43 began naming a Citizen of the Year. Two years ago the program was expanded to consider naming a Citizen of the Year in up to three categories— Service to the Community, Service to Youth, and Service to Veterans.

Again, members of the veterans organization are asking for community assistance during the next few weeks to identify deserving candidates in each category, according to organizer Jim Vahle.

Nominees must be Naperville residents; and their service must have been performed in a volunteer capacity, rather than as part of compensated employment.

Anyone may nominate a candidate by sending a letter or email that includes a comprehensive description of the services the nominee performed, the time frame, duration, and significance of the service to others, and the category they are being nominated for, along with the name and contact information for the nominee and the person offering the nomination. Letters from others endorsing the nominee are encouraged.

Naperville is blessed with people who serve their fellow citizens, added Vahle, who said the community judges have a very difficult task. Comprehensive information —attachments of achievements and endorsements may be included —are of great help to judges in selecting the winners.

Mail nomination letters to American Legion Post 43, Citizen of the Year, Post Office Box 4, Naperville, 60566 or emailed (preferably) to vahlej@comcast.net to arrive by March 16, 2016.

Winners will be announced in the local media and honored at the Legion’s Awards and Recognition Banquet on April 16, 2016. The public is welcome to the dinner, held in the banquet hall at the Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873.

“So, fire up your keyboard; sharpen your pencil; and make sure the selection committee knows about your candidate,” suggests Vahle.

St. Patrick’s Day Social and Dinner / March 19

Meanwhile, the Annual St Patrick’s Day Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner prepared by the Kendall Cooks begins at 6PM, followed by dinner at 7PM and the program. 

 

This month, the American Legion will be “Honoring the Women of the Military.”   

“We are fortunate to have out own Lauren Evans sharing with us what this truly means for everyone,” noted publicist Wayne Fischer.  

In addition, Fischer urges, “Be sure to polish your vocal cords and bring them along as we will have Don Hennessey play his accordion to accompany everyone.   This is always fun for everyone.”

 

Confirmed reservations are requested no later than Wed., March 16.   

“As in the past, our dinner and social is open to the public,” added Fischer.

For reservations, contact Fischer at wayne.l.fischer@gmail.com or call (630) 240-8868. Members who have already signed up do not need to respond.

Final American Legion Social of the Year / April 16

Fischer also would like to remind veterans and friends that for planning purposes the final Post 43 Social and Dinner for the Legion Year will be held Saturday April 16.

That evening the American Legion will announce and honor the Post 43 Citizens of the Year.  Nominations for citizens who have provided exemplary service to the Community, to Youth and to Veterans will be accepted until Wed., March 16.

Mail nomination letters to American Legion Post 43, Citizen of the Year, Post Office Box 4, Naperville, 60566 or emailed (preferably) to vahlej@comcast.net.

“We will also present a $1,500 check to our Scholarship Winner for the Year and finally, we will honor our Past 74 Post Commanders,” said Fischer.

For more info about all the programs provided by the American Legion Post 43, click here.