Leroy F. Collins is Connecticut's LEGIONNAIRE OF THE YEAR 2018

BUCK-DUBIEL POST NO. 101, SOMERS CT PROUDLY ANNOUNCES THE SELECTION OF CONNECTICUT'S LEGIONNAIRE OF THE YEAR 2018

Long-time Somers, CT resident and Army veteran Leroy F. Collins was recently selected as The American Legion Department of Connecticut's Legionnaire of the Year for 2018. On Saturday, July 14, 2018, Collins and his wife were escorted by six Post 101 delegates to the Department of Connecticut's Summer Legionnaire's Convention in Trumbull, CT where he was honored for his vast contributions and achievements as a vital member of Post 101.

Collins was presented with an impressive award plaque and distinguished sterling silver cap pin by the Department of Connecticut's Department Commander Ed DeGumbia based on the following award nomination:

"Without hesitation, it is my honor to nominate Mr. Leroy F. Collins as Post 101’s most deserving candidate for the Department’s selection as 2018 Legionnaire of the Year. He is an extraordinary example of how veterans continue to serve their country, state and local community long after their military service ends.

In further support of his nomination, I am pleased to express in more detail my personal insights into Collins’ numerous, dedicated and unique contributions and talents as follows:

• Collins is a 360 degree, 365 days-a-year, dedicated Legion veteran. It is a matter-of-fact that he accomplishes something for our Post every day of the year, often causing an about-face of some challenging and critical situations. He holds two officer positions within the Post as well as 12 committee positions—each having nearly daily activity/action items required of him. A “few” of his accomplishments in these areas include:
  • Key player, “Project Officer,” in “Flags on Main” Post activity where nearly 200 flags are assembled and attached to electrical poles on the town borders through Main St, East/West, North South. He leads a Flag Assembly team and also equipment operators and must also continually inspect and maintain the flags, poles and attachments throughout the typical 3-4 month flag display period.
  • Makes frequent visits to Somers’ three cemeteries in five locations, canvassing for misplaced or destroyed flags and medallions on veterans gravesites. He is also the “go to” person for raising and lowering of the flags in numerous locations in Somers, always taking care of a multitude of action items in a timely, trusting manner without needing oversight.
  • Procures and manages a broad coverage of items and products for fund-raising events such as the monthly Somers Flea Market which allows our Post to grow its operating revenue. With honest dealings and fair pricing, through good times and bad, Collins has been instrumental in our Post becoming more viable to be able to conduct its daily mission. He has consistently been a key in fundraising to help sustain enough cash flow so that our Post is able to meet expenses and sponsor many of our pillar American Legion programs as we continue in our challenging revitalizing efforts.
  • As a licensed and experienced fur trapper in the state of Connecticut and a member of the Connecticut Trappers Association, Collins is a favorite called upon by Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Natural Resources, Wildlife Division as well as private citizens in Somers to help manage beaver/muskrat population.

Many local heroes go unnoticed; Collins’ is one such individual. His skills extend far beyond that of his Legion responsibilities. He has a special ability to project a warm, cheerful attitude to everyone around him. Quite a few have seen him resolve conflicts and handle other difficult situations with remarkable patience and admirable tact. In the community, he goes out of his way to help people in need by offering transportation, picking up supplies, helping with handyman projects, offering auto mechanic advice and assistance and just being a trusted friend. He loves people, works extremely unpredictable and endless hours for the Legion and always tries to lift the spirits of those around him. His endearing personality traits have helped many veterans who suffer from a myriad of physical and emotional health issues

In many ways, Collins is a highly suitable individual for this prestigious award. He has continually exceeded the challenging and broad spectrum of duties and requirements involved in holding two Officer and 12 varied and demanding committeeman positions during 2018 as well as is many preceding years -- despite having critical health conditions. His military bearing and protocol are refreshing and his love for fellow veterans and his community are second to none. He continues to be an indispensible member of our Post; an irreplaceable advisor, confidant and friend to me as well as other post members, a helpful, caring neighbor, and a loving husband and father.

Collins is one our most beloved and respected Post veterans and is a “cornerstone” member of our Somers community. It continues to be a daily privilege to know and work alongside this extraordinary and dedicated veteran. I feel confident that you will wholeheartedly agree that Mr. Leroy F. Collins is the most deserving candidate for this award. Certainly contact me for any additional information you may require.

David P. McCaffrey, Post No. 101 Commander, Ph: (888) 240-8188, email: PostCdr@somerspost101.org . "

**Please stop by our monthly meeting on Thursday, July 26, 2018 at 7 p.m. at Joanna's (see website for more information) to congratulate Collins for sharing his life with our veterans and our community. Please also thank Collins' family for supporting his daily gifting of his time, talent and resources. Hugs to you, Leroy, from your Legion family -- to significantly include your Defense forces team members. Go Army and of course, Go Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard! The American Legion ... For God and Country!!