CLAYTON – American Legion Post 71 in Clayton has selected their 2019-2020 Legionnaire of the Year. When a Legion member thinks of Legionnaire of the Year, several images come to mind, but the most important is that of a Legionnaire who is involved with nearly every facet of their Post, compassionate and passionate about the community and Legion they serve, enthusiastic about helping others, helping support the Pillars of the American Legion, and having a genuine love for America and it’s veterans. It’s also a person a Post member turns to for help and others aspire to be. This year the honor went to Jerry Hill.
Jerry’s passion for the Legion Post is evident in his involvement in the annual Clayton Harvest Festival. The festival draws nearly 10,000 people each year. Jerry is the reason Post 71 is involved in the festival. He suggested the idea of using the Festival as a recruiting tool and fundraiser. In the last six year, a booth at the Harvest festival has generated over $6,000 in donations and more than 20 new members.
His compassion is also felt in his support of members and their families during times of need. He regularly volunteers in the Post cantina, helps out with building improvement projects, and he was instrumental in the formation of their Friday Night Dinners. These dinners have become not only a source of revenue for the Post, but a great, new-found ‘tradition’ for camaraderie between Legionnaires as well as their spouses and families.
Additionally, Jerry’s presence as a member of the Post 71 Honor Guard makes him nearly indispensable for the Annual Clayton Christmas Parade and honoring veterans during funeral services.
Legion members says these are some of the reasons Jerry Hill was selected recently as their Legionnaire of the Year for 2019-2020.
