Local Vietnam veteran named Veteran of the Year by peers
Jim Engle to be honored for significant community service
Posted: 10/13/2010
AKRON, OH (Oct. 13, 2010) – Once a year, Summit County veterans join together to nominate and honor a local veteran who has continued to serve his or her community long after being discharged from military service. This year’s recipient of the Veteran of the Year Award is Vietnam veteran Hans (Jim) Engel.
“Jim is often referred to as one of the go-to guys in our community,” said David Burden, project manager at the Veterans Service Commission of Summit County (VSC). “He is 100 percent service connected and is highly respected by all area service organizations for his wide-ranging and cooperative efforts.”
Engel, former commander of the VFW Post 3383, has an extensive record of volunteerism. He has served in various leadership and behind-the-scenes roles for the Post.
“Hans (Jim) got active in his VFW Post after his service and has never stopped giving,” said VFW Post 3383 Commander Laura Dunlop. “His actions have earned him the respect of his fellow members and his community. He will serve in any position that is vacant. If there’s a need, Jim will fill it.”
Engel, who was born in Germany, and his wife Mary reside in Akron. Both of their sons served in the United States Air Force.
Veteran of the Year Award recipients must meet three criterions: be an honorably discharged veteran, reside in Summit County and most importantly have performed documented community volunteer service or veterans’ outreach service.
Engel will be honored at the 21st annual Veteran of the Year Dinner held at the VFW Post 3383 on Thursday, Oct. 21, at 6:00 p.m. Tickets are available for $14 at the VSC located at 1060 E. Waterloo Rd., Akron.
For more information about the Summit County VSC, its service offerings and the Veteran of the Year Dinner, visit www.vscsummitoh.us or call 330-643-2830.
About the Veterans Service Commission of Summit County
Veterans Service Commission of Summit County (VSC) provides comprehensive support services to Summit County residents who have served in any branch of the military. Veterans and their families who demonstrate need receive free financial, transportation and medical assistance as well as coordination and processing help with Veterans Administration (VA) claims and benefits. The agency was created in 1886 to aid veterans upon their return home from duty.
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Contact: David Burden, Project Manager Summit County VSC 330-643-7636 dburden@vscsummitoh.us