PHOTO COURTESY FIRST CITIZEN AWARD
Joan Bartolon was named the 2024 recipient of the First Citizen Award.
The First Citizen Award committee has chosen Joan Bartolon because the 62nd recipient of the Springfield space’s prestigious First Citizen Award. As board president of the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight, Bartolon has performed an instrumental function in honoring native veterans by offering them with memorable, no-cost journeys to Washington, D.C., to go to the memorials devoted to their service and sacrifice.
Over the past 15 years, Bartolon has personally organized particulars of greater than 70 Honor Flights for greater than 60,000 central Illinois veterans and their households to take the journey, which many veterans say is among the most memorable days of their lives.
“Joan’s exemplary service to our native veterans embodies the spirit of the First Citizen Award,” mentioned First Citizen board president Butch Elzea. “Volunteering numerous hours within the service of others, particularly hundreds of veterans which have sacrificed a lot, made her a deserving winner of this yr’s award.”
Since assuming management of the Honor Flight group, Bartolon’s tireless work has ensured lots of of veterans in Illinois obtain the popularity they deserve. Underneath her steering, the Honor Flight program has grown considerably, incomes widespread appreciation from each the veterans it serves and central Illinois, together with the better Springfield space.
Bartolon was chosen from amongst two dozen nominees by an area choice committee and was awarded the First Citizen at a Nov. 13 ceremony held at Erin’s Pavilion at Southwind Park.
All nominees not chosen this yr can be thought-about for the next 4 years. To appoint somebody for subsequent yr’s First Citizen, go to www.firstcitzenaward.org.
About The First Citizen Award
Established in 1963 by Springfield’s Copley-owned newspapers, The First Citizen program was created to honor people whose service, exterior of their paid employment, has considerably contributed to the betterment of the Springfield space. Every year, a citizen board selects a winner from public nominations, recognizing excellent group service and a optimistic influence.
