Fairhope selects Frank Connell as Veteran of the Year

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Posted 11/2/18

FAIRHOPE -- Fairhope’s Veteran of the Year for 2018 is being honored as much for his service in the U.S. Army as for his work now to help other veterans. Frank Connell was a member of the U.S. Army …

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Fairhope selects Frank Connell as Veteran of the Year

Posted

FAIRHOPE -- Fairhope’s Veteran of the Year for 2018 is being honored as much for his service in the U.S. Army as for his work now to help other veterans. Frank Connell was a member of the U.S. Army for 20 years, from 1959 to 1979. Frank Connell is a native to our area, served our country and its people, and now is committed to our community through tireless volunteer projects. Frank graduated from Fairhope High School in 1954, graduated from the University of Alabama in 1958, and graduated from the University of Richmond with a Masters in Economics. Frank served his country as a logistics officer in the US Army from 1959-1979 which included two years in Vietnam, one year in Thailand and seven years in Germany, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel.

Frank is an active member of the American Legion Post 199, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5660, and Military Officers Association of America. He provided great leadership to several organizations including president & treasurer of the Baldwin Satellite Chapter of MOAA and Executive Officer of the recently formed U.S. Armed Forces Honor Guard. Connell was awarded a Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, and Vietnam Service Medal along with several other awards and honors. Tamara Dean, Director of the Fairhope Public Library, said Connell’s love for his country did not end with his military service. “He still serves people, tirelessly, and steadfastly.”

ADDITIONAL VETERANS ACTIVITIES

The City of Fairhope will honor its military veterans with a Veterans Day Parade on Saturday, Nov. 10. The parade will start at 10 a.m. and will begin and end at the Fairhope Civic Center. Participants include local veteran’s organizations, military vehicles, local boy and girl scout troops, the Fairhope High School Band, the Daphne High School ROTC, the 1165th MP Company, the British Car Club and many other local groups. Leading the parade will be Fairhope’s 2018 Veteran of the Year Frank Connell. A light breakfast featuring the Fairhope Youth Orchestra will be held before the parade begins at 8:30 a.m. in the Civic Center lobby for all veterans and parade participants.

The celebration will continue, on Sunday, Nov. 11 at 4:45 p.m. in Henry George Park. A sunset prayer service will be held at the Veteran’s Memorial, Tears of Sorrow, Tears of Joy. For more information on the parade or the sunset prayer service, call Paige Crawford at 251-929- 1466.