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Veterans of Foreign Wars recognize three locals for contributions

Andrews Town Marshal Van Juillerat (fourth from left) and Riverview Middle School teacher Steve Park (fifth from left) were honored by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2689 on Oct. 28.
Andrews Town Marshal Van Juillerat (fourth from left) and Riverview Middle School teacher Steve Park (fifth from left) were honored by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2689 on Oct. 28. Photo by Matt Murphy.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2689 in Huntington recognized three local leaders for their contributions to the community during a ceremony on Wednesday, Oct. 28, at the post.

The VFW acknowledged Steve Park, middle school teacher at Riverview, with the Teacher of the Year award; and Van Juillerat, Andrews Town Marshal, with the Police Officer of the Year award.

Gregory Shearer, of the Huntington Fire Department, was selected to receive the Fireman of the Year award, but was unable to attend the ceremony.

"We want to recognize people who go above and beyond," said Michael Smith, the post's senior vice commander. "We're honoring those who put their lives on the line as well as those who teach."

Each award-winner received a plaque and an American flag, provided by the VFW Ladies Auxiliary.

"It's our way of giving back to the community," said Dale Howell, VFW post commander.

Howell said that Park was chosen based on his many awards and accomplishments, and Juillerat was chosen due to his long service in Huntington County as well as his part in keeping Andrews Elementary School in Andrews. Shearer won his award because of his commitment to the HFD, even as far as taking it upon himself to perform maintenance on the fire trucks, saving local government more than $8,000.

"Every day, I get the opportunity to spend time with kids," said Park, who also is this year's Huntington County Teacher of the Year. "It's something I take seriously."

"I owe a lot of gratitude to the people who nominated me. It's humbling," said Juillerat.
Park will compete with other Teachers of the Year in the
VFW's state and national rounds.

Nominations for each award were reviewed by the VFW, and the program was put together by Jerry Walling, VFW chaplain.

Complete caption: Andrews Town Marshal Van Juillerat (fourth from left) and Riverview Middle School teacher Steve Park (fifth from left) were honored by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2689 on Oct. 28. With them are (from left) Mike Smith, senior vice commander of the VFW; Lois Hall, president of the VFW Ladies' Auxiliary; VFW Commander Dale Howell; Jerry Walling, VFW chaplain; and Leslie Ackermann, VFW quartermaster.