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Reading Legionnaire chosen as Veteran of the Year

The Hillsdale Daily News - 9/23/2021

Sep. 23—The Hillsdale County Veteran of the Year Committee has chosen Tom Richards, a Wolverine American Legion Post 360 Legionnaire, as the 2021 Hillsdale County Veteran of the Year.

Richards joined the U.S. Army Reserve in 1966, working in supply after graduating from Reading High School and was stationed at Ft. Leonardwood, Mo. and Ft. Hood, Texas before being honorably discharged in 1972 and returning to Hillsdale County.

Outside of his duties as a Legionnaire, Richards has spent his life volunteering to be involved in numerous endeavors including service as a firefighter in Reading for 52 years. He was also involved with Reading's athletic boosters for 30 years serving as president for six years and steering the boosters' basketball fundraiser for 28 years.

Notably, Richards has also been involved in organizing the Hillsdale County Fair and has been in charge of the Veterans Day Parade since 2010. Richards serves as president of the Fair Board since 2006 and has been a member of the board since 2000.

In 2018, Richards received the Marvin Howell Community Award recognizing his many hours of tireless giving of ones' personal self for the betterment of all.

"We believe Mr. Richards is a fine example of service beyond self, upholding a military tradition," said Gary Noblit, chairman of the Veteran of the Year Committee.

Richards will be formally recognized during the Veteran of the Year Ceremony at 11:15 a.m., Monday immediately following the Veterans Day Parade from downtown Hillsdale to the fairgrounds.

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(c)2021 Hillsdale Daily News, Mich.

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