Tom Houle Named Veteran of the Year

  The Dearborn Allied War Veterans Council (DAWVC) has selected Tom Houle as the 2009 Dearborn Veteran of the Year. He will be honored during the City’s annual Veterans Day Ceremony at 11:00am on Wednesday, November 11th at City Hall.

  A Korean War veteran, Houle has an endless supply of energy for work that needs to be done for those who served in the military, says friend and fellow Army veteran, Joe Terry.

  “Tom’s willingness to assist veterans in any way he can and get involved in any function that has to do with vets is unsurpassed.  He reaches into his pocket without even thinking about it and most importantly, he devotes many, many hours of his time so he can assist other veterans,” Terry said.

  Houle’s deep commitment to veterans is evident in the many groups he belongs to and serves with as a volunteer. Houle is the current commander of the Disabled American Veterans, Cpl. Ian Gray Chapter #51; senior vice commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, West Dearborn Post #2107; a member of the American Legion, Fort Dearborn Post #364; and a member of the AMVETS Post #4.

  But of all the organizations he volunteers with, he is most proud of his involvement with the Dearborn Allied War Veterans Ritual Team, which performs remembrance rituals for fallen soldiers.

  “It’s the last thing we do for a veteran as he or she passes from this earth.  I always feel it is a great honor to be allowed to do this and will do it for as long as I am physically able.

  “Dearborn as a community, along with Mayor O’Reilly, has always supported our veterans groups remarkably well. I always feel very comfortable talking to O’Reilly and that means a lot to us veterans and it further strengthens my will to give back to this great community,” Houle said.
  “People tell me I should slow down, but I feel this is what I want to do. I am giving something back to this community. I just wish to support our veterans in any way I can,” he said. “Whatever it takes to benefit the veterans’ causes, I will do.”