American Legion Post 43 recognized a Citizen of the Year in three categories: Service to the Community, Service to Veterans and Service to Youth at the final Dinner/Social of the year on April 16th.
Citizen of the year to Community was awarded to Lee Lindberg. Lindberg’s nominators describe him as the consummate example of Good Citizenship by virtue of his positive example, willingness to help others and efforts to give back to the community.
During his time as Commander, American Legion Post 43 received many state and national awards for its involvement in the community. Lindberg was deeply involved, directly or indirectly, in all of them. He consistently participates in visits to Hines VA Hospital, Senior Living Centers in Naperville , quarterly mass burials at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, school visits around Veterans Day, and Boy Scout events. Some say his greatest attribute is his friendship and offer of a helping hand to all he meets.
Citizen of The Year to Veterans was awarded to Lauren Evans. Lauren has been editor of Post 43’s “Keeping Posted” since 2011. During this time the newsletter has been awarded the Department of Illinois’ Best Newsletter-Large Posts, four times. As co-administrator of Naperville’s contribution to the American Legion’s Centennial Webpage, she spent countless hours researching Post 43’s history. She serves as Chairperson of the Post’s Illinois Girls State program, inspiring young women to gain confidence in themselves and to make a difference in the future for our country.
Evans is an accomplished speaker on the role women have played in the military services since our country’s founding , and a promoter of their current, ever growing importance to the military.
Citizen of the Year to Youth was awarded to Adam & Ariana Van Someren. 360 Youth Services has provided services to youth and families in the Naperville community for 45 years through counseling, housing for homeless youth and substance abuse prevention education.
When it was determined that outbuildings on their property had to come down, 360 Youth Services could not afford the cost, estimated to be in excess of $20,000. Adam Van Someren, owner of Charleston Building and Development, stepped in and the project was completed at no cost to 360 Youth Services.
When Oriana Van Someren learned of the financial challenges facing 360 Youth Services as a result of the state’s budget impasse, she stepped up with ideas to generate funds for the agency. Along with two other women, she organized an event, Scrambling for 360, that raised over $13,000 and awareness of 360 Youth Services in the Community and brought 360’s leaders in contact with new faces to engage in their mission. In the words of Katy LeClair, CEO of 360 Youth Services, “Adam and Oriana
The attached picture from left to right: Adam & Ariana Van Someren, Cher (Lee’s daughter & Lee Lindberg and Lauren & Tom Evans
