73rd Annual Veteran of the Year Banquet

NOVEMBER 9TH

The annual Veteran of the Year program is the culmination of dedicated volunteers whose goal is to recognize a local veteran in our community. The event where we host the award ceremony is the Veteran of the year banquet. It will be a night of honoring our local veterans who continue to give back to their communities and recognize the service of others.

Born in Richmond, Virginia in 1928, Tom Kirk served 28 years in the US Air Force as a fighter pilot in Korea and Vietnam. Prior to retirement in 1978, he veteran flew 67 missions before being shot down. He was a Prisoner of War (POW) at Hanoi Hilton and was John McCain's cellmate. He flew F-100, F-104, and F-105 aircraft throughout the later part of his career, and retired as Deputy Commander of all Special Forces in Europe.

Following retirement, Tom, a certified financial planner, assisted U.S. employees working in Europe; he also taught college courses. After moving to Arizona in 2009, Tom volunteers his time and financial support to the nonprofit Anthem Cares Through Service (ACTS) which helps families in need. He is an active member of the DAV, MOPH, MOWW, and the Order of Daedalians.

Tom Kirk continues to teach civics, leadership, and motivation to Arizona youth, in addition to sharing his military experiences with youth and adults, 165 presentations and counting!

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Join us Saturday November 9th at 6:00pm, in supporting this amazing program and the dedication of not only the volunteers but the veterans we are honoring. Location: the Albany Armory 380 Knox Butte Rd SE Albany OR 97322

Tickets are $30 and are on sale now at the VFW Post 584 Canteen

Phone: 541-928-7925 | Address: 1469 Timber St SE Albany OR 97322

- Register your tickets here -

To Donate to the Veteran of the Year Program DONATE HERE

Nomination Deadline: september 1st AT 6PM

We are asking you to submit a nomination for a veteran who has stepped up and stood out for their volunteer efforts in your community since their honorable separation from military service. We look for one who has served both our country proudly and their community with honor and distinction. 

We encourage individuals, businesses, religious and/or veteran organizations to nominate a veteran they feel is deserving through their outstanding volunteer activities. Of these nominations, one will be chosen as the 2024 Veteran of the Year with the remaining nominees honored as our Distinguished Veterans.

On behalf of The Veterans Day Parade Committee and VFW Post 584, we thank you for honoring a veteran in this manner and thank you for allowing us to publicly honor them as well.

To nominate: DOWNLOAD NOMINATION APPLICATION HERE