Above / Jim Vahle, Public Relations Officer for the Naperville American Legion Post 43, again seeks nominations from the community for the post’s annual Citizen(s) of the Year. (PN File Photo)
Since 1986, the Naperville American Legion Post 43 has been recognizing a Citizen of the Year. Six 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. The community again is asked to help identify deserving candidates in each of the three categories.
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 (preferably) 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 for which they are being nominated. Also be sure to include name and contact information for the nominee as well as the person offering the nomination. Letters from others endorsing the nominee are welcomed and encouraged.
“Naperville is blessed with people who serve their fellow citizens,” noted Jim Vahle, Public Relations Officer for the Naperville American Legion. “Typically, the judges have a very difficult task.”
Vahle suggests comprehensive information-attachments and endorsements may be included as they are of great help to judges in selecting the winners.
Mail nominees to American Legion Post 43, Citizen of the Year, Post Office Box 4, Naperville, 60566 or emailed (preferably) to vahlej@comcast.net in time to arrive by March 18, 2020.
Winners will be announced in the local media and honored at the Naperville American Legion’s Awards and Recognition Banquet on Sat., April 18, 2020.
“So, fire up your keyboard; sharpen your pencil; and make sure the selection committee knows about your candidate,” added Vahle.
Information on recent Citizens of the Years and their contributions is available at www.naperlegion.org under the “community” tab.
For more info, contact Jim Vahle at (630) 864-7183 or vahlej@comcast.net.
Get to know the Naperville American Legion
Monthly membership meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month at 7PM at Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873, located at 908 W. Jackson Ave. For info about annual membership that runs from July 1 to June 30, click here.
For information about all the educational programs, volunteer opportunities, speech and essay contests, Boys State, Girls State and other scholarships as well as social events sponsored by American Legion Post 43, visit www.naperlegion.org.
