By Chris Murphy
Modesto is been built by an amazing network of creative volunteers. I have always said that Modesto has something special that allows a city of our size, to accomplish big things that make a difference. I was proud to be honored in 2019 as the American Legion Citizen of the Year. It really meant a lot to me and is quite humbling to be amongst the previous honorees. I hope that it will encourage others to step up and make a difference. For 2026 this honor will be given to Ann Endsley.
The American Legion Modesto Post 74 will host its Annual Awards Dinner on Saturday, January 10 at 5:30 p.m. at the Stanislaus Veterans Center, 3500 Coffee Road, Modesto. The event celebrates outstanding community service, leadership, and dedication to veterans and civic life.
This year’s honorees exemplify the values of citizenship, generosity, and service that the American Legion stands for.
Ann Endsley, respected businesswoman and philanthropist, has been named Citizen of the Year. Endsley is widely recognized for her leadership, community involvement, and long record of charitable support that has enriched countless local organizations.
Ann Endsley, respected businesswoman and philanthropist, has been named Citizen of the Year. Endsley is widely recognized for her leadership, community involvement, and long record of charitable support that has enriched countless local organizations.
Brad Hawn, engineer, former Modesto City Councilman, and devoted civic volunteer, will receive the Community Hero of the Year Award. Hawn’s public service and philanthropy reflect a deep commitment to improving the quality of life in the Modesto area.
Ann and Brad are people that I have been privileged to work with over the years and their tireless efforts to find a way to do something better, give of their time, their funding and their talent to make everything they work on better and deliver more impact. Ann has been so generous over the years, supporting our local non-profits, the arts, and building businesses that help grow the local economy. Brad has served as a Modesto City Councilperson, has donated his professional engineering skills to many civic projects, and even constructed some the downtown parklets himself. Recently he has donated his design services to the downtown lighting project, the Graffiti USA Museum and the downtown courthouse replacement project. Both of these honorees have opened their home to many local organizations. Modesto is fortunate to have these people in our community.
Please come support the efforts of the American Legion and celebrate these people at this special honors dinner on January 10,
Tickets are $50 per person or $350 for a table of eight. The evening will feature dinner, award presentations, and a celebration of community achievement. Members of the public are warmly invited to attend.
“Our annual awards dinner is one of the highlights of the year for Post 74,” said Tim Gilbert, Commander of American Legion Modesto Post 74. “It gives us a chance to honor those who give back so generously to our veterans, our youth, and our community.”
“Our annual awards dinner is one of the highlights of the year for Post 74,” said Tim Gilbert, Commander of American Legion Modesto Post 74. “It gives us a chance to honor those who give back so generously to our veterans, our youth, and our community.”
About American Legion Modesto Post 74:
American Legion Modesto Post 74 proudly supports veterans in the Stanislaus County community through year-round events and outreach. The Post hosts veteran dinners, coffee hours, and serves breakfast at the Stanislaus Veterans Center on the third Saturday of each month. Post 74 members also assist with memorial services for veterans, celebrate milestone birthdays for World War II veterans, and help organize local Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Veterans Day celebrations.
American Legion Modesto Post 74 proudly supports veterans in the Stanislaus County community through year-round events and outreach. The Post hosts veteran dinners, coffee hours, and serves breakfast at the Stanislaus Veterans Center on the third Saturday of each month. Post 74 members also assist with memorial services for veterans, celebrate milestone birthdays for World War II veterans, and help organize local Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Veterans Day celebrations.
Beyond veteran services, Post 74 actively supports local youth through the California Legion Boys & Girls State Program, middle school Patriot Awards, and the High School Oratorical Contest focused on the U.S. Constitution.
For event tickets or additional information, contact American Legion Post 74 or former Citizen of the Year Lynn Dickerson at 916-662-4352
________________________________
Media Contact:
Richard Fetzer
American Legion Modesto Post 74
(209) 777-4107
ltcrfetzer@comcast.net
For event tickets or additional information, contact American Legion Post 74 or former Citizen of the Year Lynn Dickerson at 916-662-4352
________________________________
Media Contact:
Richard Fetzer
American Legion Modesto Post 74
(209) 777-4107
ltcrfetzer@comcast.net
