Chicora Man Receives Pennsylvania American Legion Award

On July 18th, Fred Callihan of Chicora Post 642 received the 2010 Pennsylvania American Legion Distinguished Service Award. The award was presented at the American Legion 92nd Annual Convention in Harrisburg. While the award is in recognition of outstanding accomplishments within the American Legion organization, it is given to people who are also exemplary for other community service activities.

(photo right) Fred Callihan accepts the Distinguished Service Award from Former Pennsylvania Commander James Hales Jr. as Committee members Jeff Seler and Bob Shalala look on.

Though ten people were nominated for the award, Committee members Jeff Seler and Bob Shalala recognized just one person from Eastern Pennsylvania, and Callihan from Western Pennsylvania. Former Pennsylvania Commander James Hales Jr. presented the Award Plaque on the Convention’s second day.
When presenting the Award, Commander Hales noted the approximately $100,000 Chicora Community Honor Roll Renovation Drive led by Callihan. Hales complimented Callihan for leading approximately 4,000 mailings, several local newspaper articles, local radio interviews, speeches and fundraising events. He noted the extensive project coordination needed with Borough Council and with various utility companies. The project was hailed for its over $30,000 in donated services by architect and construction firms. Hales extolled the fact that the Honor Roll was readied for Dedication Services on Memorial Day with Guest Speaker 3-Star USMC General John Sattler. He remarked how extremely rare and almost impossible it is to attract speakers of General Sattler’s stature.
Hales also listed other community efforts that Callihan has led. As Chairman of the Finance Committee, he headed two Renovation Drives for Mater Dolorosa Church in 1998-2001. The Drives totaled over one-quarter of a million dollars and led to significant upgrades to the church and parish house. Again in 2009, Callihan led work efforts to revitalize the parish house and church properties with new retaining walls, walk, railings and landscaping. He has also served several years for Fairview Township on the Chicora Community Sewage Board.
Callihan thanked the American Legion Committee for selecting him for the Distinguished Service Award. He noted that he was a proud American Legion member with the utmost respect for the organization that awarded him the recognition. Callihan cited that “the real heroes of the Honor Roll project were the over 700 businesses and individuals living in the community now, and past  residents, who unselfishly and patriotically donated their time and money in tribute to our military veterans”.                                           
He closed by thanking those whose support he highly valued. Post 642 Commander Bob Ripper and Adjutant Chuck Hetrick completed and submitted forms recommending him for the award. He then introduced his wife while noting Martha’s great personal support and sacrifice.
Following Commander Hales’ presentation, many members attending the session questioned Callihan for advice on how to generate participation for their own local patriotic endeavors.