Butler County Veteran of the Year awarded
BUTLER TWP — In a speech accepting his recognition as Butler County Veteran of the Year, Allen McClymonds noted the rest of the veterans nominated for the award were also worthy of the title.
McClymonds, an Army veteran who served from 1982 to 1986 as a telecommunications specialist, gave a brief thanks to his fellow veterans, as well as his wife, on Wednesday, Nov. 4, at the annual luncheon for the award.
“It’s a big honor that you were nominated. Be proud that you were nominated even though you didn’t get it this year,” McClymonds told those in attendance. “Being veteran of the year is quite an honor.”
The Butler County Veterans Committee chooses the annual Veteran of the Year honoree, who leads the Veterans Day parade in Butler.
After graduating from Butler High School in 1980, McClymonds served with the 1st and 82nd Airborne Infantry Divisions, achieving the rank of specialist fourth class. According to a release on the award, McClymond, “endured after sustaining serious injuries during a training event, he continued to serve with honor.” He was awarded the Army Good Conduct and Achivement medals.
He later attended Pittsburgh Technical Institute, graduating in 1993 with a degree in electronics technology, before going on to work for Bell Atlantic until he was 50 years old.
After retirement, McClymonds continued to help his community through work such as volunteering at Whitestown Baptist Church, assisting Robin’s Home in securing grants, volunteering to aid with transportation for veterans to the Pittsburgh VA and “continually volunteering to help others,” according to the release.
He is also an active member of the Disabled American Veterans, the Meridian Veterans Club and American Legion Post 778, is a part of the Veterans Parade Committee and has been a participant in Veterans Input Program monthly meetings for the past five years.
Shawnee Young, Butler County Veterans Services director, said McClymonds’ community service following his military service led him to be a front-runner for Veteran of the Year. She read McClymonds’ biography to the audience and introduced him to give a speech.
After McClymonds spoke, he was recognized by local leaders and elected officials. They thanked McClymonds and awarded him proclamations.
The Wednesday luncheon was co-hosted by Butler County Veterans Services and state Rep. Marci Mustello, R-11th. It was attended by veterans from around the county.
Mustello also pointed out three World War II veterans at the luncheon: Dennis Bogan, Joe Lutz and Harold Larrick, who all served in the Navy.
Lutz said he joined the Navy at 17 years old, leaving high school to enlist in the service. Larrick said he was active for two years, serving in the Philippines throughout that time. Bogan was drafted by the Navy in April 1943 and went to boot camp in Ray Lakes, Ill.
