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Dave Little has worked tirelessly for the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 183, Kincardine, and for that he has been named Legionnaire of the Year.

Presented Saturday night at the Honours and Awards Banquet, the award includes a plaque, a certificate of recognition, and a commendation from Huron-Bruce MPP Carol Mitchell.

In making the presentation, Kincardine branch secretary Bob Grey said that Little has spent many hours working in the kitchen, helping with the catering, and being co-chairman and chairman of the weekly bingo.

"He has been here almost every Thursday night for the bingo," said Grey. "He supervises a committee of about 10-14 volunteers and he's here for about five hours every Thursday night to make sure the event runs smoothly. He has helped raise a lot of money for the Legion."

And that money is donated to non-profit groups and organizations throughout the community.

Brian Smith (L) presents a plaque to Legionnaire of the Year Dave Little

Numerous other awards were presented at the banquet.

Janet Wright, who organizes the event every year, received a branch service medal, the first one to be presented in Kincardine, for her hard work and dedication to Branch 183.

Service pins were presented to the following:

• 65 years, John Smith
• 45 years ,Cliff Buckingham 
• 40 years, William Hardie 
• 35 years, Nelson Boals, Patrick Farr, Kevin MacKay, J. Daniel McManus, and Muriel Newton

Kevin MacKay (L) receives a 35-year service pin from Stew Taylor



J. Daniel McManus (L) receives a 35-year service pin from Stew Taylor

Executive awards went to:

• George Alderman, sergeant-at-arms
• Dave Carson, second vice-president
• Red Larsen, maple leaf for second year as president, leadership, and poppy campaign

Certificates of appreciation were presented to:

• Frank Pearce
• Gord Dickinson
• Jennifer Farrell
• Irene Thomas
• Eugene Harrison
• Peggy Griffin

Wright said that in 2010, the Legion gave out $27,000-plus in donations to community groups and organizations.

She praised the many volunteers who keep the Legion going, and thanked chef Wayne Brownrigg and Kincardine Scouting for the delicious banquet meal.

Wright also welcomed new Legion employees: catering co-ordinator Jackie Pawlikowski, and office administrator Wendy Robinson.

Brian Smith, vice-president of Ontario Command, congratulated the Kincardine Legion and its valued volunteers.

"National Volunteer Week was held April 10-16, as a time to honour the millions of volunteers who donate their time and energy across this great country," he said.

But he noted that about 70 per cent of the population does not volunteer in any capacity, because they don't know how to join or they cannot afford to help.

"Without volunteers, the Legion would cease to exist," said Smith. "They help with dinners, dances, concerts and special events that help raise money. If the Legion's doors closed, many communities would be in bad shape."

He said the Kincardine Legion helps veterans and their dependents, including newly-returning armed forces personnel. "The Legion is their home and we have to make sure we keep that home open. I salute the hard-working volunteers of Branch 183. This is a vibrant Legion and we have to make this branch the best it can be."

During closing comments, Kincardine mayor Larry Kraemer congratulated all the award recipients.

"It's impressive to see the money raised and donated to the community by the Legion," he said. "I've been at a lot of award ceremonies and seen many people recognized, but I have never seen anyone awarded for 65 years of service. Thank you for everything you do. You are critical to our community and you deserve all the awards and recognition."

Huron-Bruce MP Ben Lobb also congratulated the award recipients for all their hard work and dedication.

"The Legion is a pillar of the community," he said. "Hundreds of thousands of dollars are donated to communities each year by the local Legions. They often sacrifice their own capital upgrades to donate to their communities."

Branch president Red Larsen, who was unable to attend the banquet, sent a letter which was read to the assembly.

He thanked everyone who helped him through his years as president, and all who rallied to make the poppy campaign an amazing success.

Larsen was unable to attend the banquet because he was at a 70th birthday party for Emma Greco in Brampton. And at that party, they were announcing to their family that they were married April 28.

"If I want my marriage to last, I had better be in Brampton Saturday night," wrote Larsen.

Jennifer Farrell of the Kincardine Scottish Pipe Band leads the head table guests in before the meal at the banquet

Kincardine Venturer Ben Cook mixes the salad for the meal

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Sunday, May 15, 2011