Gladstone's August Mattson Sons Squadron 71 honored Local #444 Marine Corps League lifetime member and commander Art Menard at a special Veterans Day ceremony held on Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. in Delta County. Menard has been awarded the honorable distinction of Michigan Veteran of the Year 2019-2020.
The Michigan Veteran of the Year is nominated by their veteran peers, then selected by past recipients and the Michigan Veteran Of the Year Society Committee in Detroit. The honoree is chosen based on how they serve the community, especially veterans, in the State of Michigan. Other traits considered are personal qualities of honor, leadership, compassion and commitment.
"For over 20 years, Art Menard has been involved for the betterment of veterans, the veteran service organizations he belongs to, and the Upper Peninsula Detachment #444 Marine Corps League of Escanaba," veteran colleague Mike King wrote in his nomination of Menard. "Art has spent literally countless hours on behalf of veterans and their causes."" I feel that Art is a great asset to the State of Michigan and for the vets of the city of Escanaba and the Upper Peninsula," "His leadership, experience, communication skills, attention to detail, and involvement are what sets him apart from other leaders. He is quick to teach many veterans organization members, high school students, the fellow workers and the community everything he has learned from his military service.” “Art's belief in Americanism, volunteering and the importance of being active in something beyond family life and work.”
Menard said he is humbled by the recognition from his peers ."It's always a great honor to be nominated for an award, especially an award of this level. It is an even greater honor and very humbling to be the recipient of this award," Menard said. "A person cannot win an award like this without the organizations they are active and involved with. All U.S. military veterans who have served can continue to serve by putting others before self, and together we can get a lot done as we head into the future.”
Menard enlisted in the Marines right out of high school in 1977 and was honorably discharged in 1983. He is a lifetime Member of the Hiawatha Post #2998 V.F.W. and Chapter 24 Disabled American Veterans, charter member of the U.P. Marine Corps Devil Dogs #1478. He is an active member of the Delta County Veterans Council and District 14, Department of Michigan.