Congratulate our winner!
 

I'd like to nominate Dennis Duddie, who served in the US Navy and Army National Guard. He is a retired Army Specialist who serves as Commander of American Legion post 170 in Rochelle Park, NJ and has been honored to receive the National Defense Ribbon. His contribution to the community includes assisting veterans with benefit claims and helping homeless veterans find a permanent residence. He also supports furnishing those residences for veterans in need. He's led holiday toy drive initiatives for veteran families, backpacks for students at the beginning of the school year and is a proud supporter of local Boy Scout Troop 114 ensuring to incorporate them into legion activities, raise troop visibility and strengthen their leadership role in the community. He's also helped to implement hometown heroes banner program in town uniting the community behind their veterans. His community impact is far reaching and because of this he deserves this recognition."

- Sheri Israel-Duarte, Nominator

Dennis is extremely involved with the Veterans..  He is also a Commander at American Legion in Rochelle Park, N.J.  He has worked diligently at getting Veteran parking spaces throughout Paramus, N.J. as well as helping displaced Veterans with housing opportunities throughout the state of New Jersey.  He has helped Veterans in obtaining electric wheelchairs, televisions, refrigerators, microwaves & all household needs as well as everyday necessities.  Dennis runs clothing & food drives along with yearly toy drives. Dennis recently initiated the Hometown Hero Banner program which celebrates all Veterans in Rochelle Park, N.J.  Dennis is now working on Veteran Housing within his community."

- Debi Lisenco, Nominator

Commander Duddie of American Legion Post 170 in Rochelle Park, NJ has been serving the veterans of our community. This post is the most active in the area and has many events both social and service. He has sponsored programs and training to help veterans at risk of suicide. He has conducted multiple stand-down events to combat homelessness by connecting veterans to services and counseling. He is always holding food and clothing drives and also toy drives for Christmas. He is an advocate in this county for veteran housing. This year he coordinated the banner project. Residents who served in the military could have a banner made which included each person's name, picture, branch of military and wars served. It was beautifully displayed along main roads in town. Family members were so proud to see their loved ones, living and deceased, honored in this way. He even strategically placed the banners near their homes. We are grateful to him for serving the veterans."

- Gail Artola, Nominator

U.A. Army Specialist E4 Dennis Duddie has served as our local Commander of American Legion Post#170 in Rochelle Park NJ 07662 for the past 2 years. He’s leadership of the AL Post#170 and it’s promotion of all of our veterans in our local area has been outstanding. His latest endeavor was coordinated by him with the different agencies and the Local Government to have our HomeTown Veterans remembrance Banners placed on our main roads  from Memorial Day through Veterans Day has been a much needed improvement of the community with a purpose of honoring those that have served the county."

- Frank Valenzuela, Nominator