Anyone who is a resident of Dickinson County can make a nomination. Dickinson County veterans — who doesn’t have a dishonorable discharge — are eligible. Nominees need to ahve demonstrated a commitment to service within the community. This could be through advocacy, volunteer service, community projects, an act of heroism, or other actions. Shows a dedication to the spirit of excellence and as a dedication to supporting and or helping other veterans.

Here at the Dickinson County Office of Veterans Affairs, we think all our veterans are special. One example is, Mary Stolz, who was honored by Senator McBroom, at the Veteran Appreciation Picnic last summer. She was honored for all the work she had done while serving on the County Veterans Board, five years, and all the volunteer and training hours she has donated during her time after her service in Vietnam. She is a true example of what a Veteran of the Year would be.

We are excited to read the nominations and learn of all the wonderful veterans in Dickinson County.

If you would like to nominate a veteran, stop in the office to pick up a nomination form. The forms will also be available outside the office door at the YMCA building. They will be available at the American Legion Posts — Iron Mountain, Kingsford and Norway — and the Disabled American Veterans Post.

Elmer Alexanderson, a World War II veteran who served in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater, New Guinea and the Philippines, will celebrate his 100th birthday on Feb. 13.

All nominations must be delivered to the Dickinson County Office of Veteran Affairs by June 1. The Veterans Board will then make a selection and the veteran will be honored at this year’s Veterans Appreciation Picnic set July 29, 2023 at Lake Antoine Park in Iron Mountain.

Last week I had the great honor of making a home visit in Norway. You may ask why it was a great honor, as we do home visit frequently. This was special as the person I was seeing was born on Feb. 13, 1923. That makes him 100-years-old next month.

I was met at the door by a very able bodied and delightful man who didn’t look like he was going to be 100-years-old.

Elmer Alexanderson, is a World War II veteran who served in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater, New Guinea and the Philippines. He had some great stories and adventures to tell.

We had a great visit and I received a good education on what our World War II veterans went through during their time in service — including no ice cream for more than three years. He has a story to tell about that!

After serving in the war, Alexanderson came back to Norway and worked several jobs including at Edwards Automotive and Anderson Motors for over 37 years. He is known for his ability to fix clocks and watches. He of course has a story to tell about that skill and why you should not drink coconut water in large amounts on a tropical island.

If you know Alexanderson stop by the house or give him a call for his birthday. If you would like to send him a card, it can be dropped off at the Dickinson County Veteran Affairs Office before Feb. 9, and we will deliver them to him.

Overall, Lacey and I are blessed to work as Veteran Service Officers here in Dickinson County helping local veterans and their dependents. Having the opportunity to get know so many special veterans within the community and to hear their special stories.

Upcoming Events:

Sunday — All-you-can-eat breakfast, 8 a.m. to noon, American Legion Post 145 of Norway, Main Street, Norway.

Feb. 6 — Dickinson County Veteran Affairs Board meeting, 8 a.m., American Legion Post 50, River Avenue, Iron Mountain. Open to the public.

Feb. 12 — All-you-can-eat breakfast, 8 a.m. to noon, American Legion Post 50, River Avenue, Iron Mountain. (Breakfasts are planned the second Sunday of month.)

Have you considered joining a veteran service organization?

They are in need of members to help keep the organizations in the community. These groups do many things to help support local veterans and provide services to the community.

Looking for some winter activities?

Every Tuesday night the American Legion Post 50 will host bingo starting at 6:30 p.m. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Come on out and enjoy the fun. This is a major fund raiser for the organization.

Every Wednesday Knights Of Columbus will host bingo to start at 6:30 p.m. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Come on out and enjoy the fun. This is also a major fund raiser.

Third Saturday of month starting at 1 p.m. a cribbage tournaments is planned at the American Legion Post 50 in Iron Mountain.