Dillman

ESCANABA — The threat of rain didn’t stop area veterans and government officials from coming together to honor Larry Lee Dillman — 2017 U.P. Veteran of the Year. A ceremony in Dillman’s honor was held at the U.P. State Fair Thursday, which was Honored Citizens Day at the fair.

Dillman, who is a veteran of the Vietnam War, served in the U.S. Air Force for 24 years and four months and retired as a master sergeant. Among many other decorations, he received an Air Force Commendation Medal and an Air Force Good Conduct Medal with a silver oak leaf cluster. After retiring, Dillman worked for 15 years as civilian security for the U.S. Navy’s ELF transmitter site in Republic.

“I didn’t do this for the recognition — I did it because it had to be done,” Dillman said of his time in the Air Force.

Currently, Dillman is involved in the Negaunee Elks Lodge 1116, Negaunee Eagles Aerie 1944, Retired Senior Volunteer Program, Negaunee Commission on Aging, Negaunee Rod and Gun Club, National Rifle Association, and Immanuel Lutheran Church of Negaunee.

Chairman of the U.P. Veteran of the Year Committee Bill Hafeman said the process of choosing the U.P. Veteran of the Year begins when the committee sends out applications in April. They determine the award’s winner during their June meeting by using a points-based system.

“Whoever gets the (most) points gets the selection,” Hafeman said. The system used takes veterans’ military history and community activities, both past and present, into account.

This year marked a first for the U.P. Veteran of the Year Committee — a tie between two entries. This was resolved with a runoff vote.

While this specific situation had never happened before, Hafeman said it is not unusual for the highest point totals in this process to be close.

“There’s so many outstanding applicants,” he said.

Dillman was nominated for the award by V.A. Romo Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 3165 in Negaunee, which he is a member of.

“I didn’t even know the post put me up for it,” he said. Dillman served as VFW District 14 Commander for a year, and is also a member of Disabled American Veterans Chapter 22, Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 380, and American Legion Post 144.

VFW Post 3165 Junior Vice Commander Ronald Illikainen said Dillman is a natural fit for the award.

“He does a lot for the post and the community,” he said.

Dean Maki, who serves as an adjutant at this post, said he was happy to see Dillman receive this honor. He also noted that multiple members of Post 3165 have been named U.P. Veteran of the Year in the past.

“This is our fourth one,” Maki said.

During the ceremony, Gov. Rick Snyder thanked Dillman for his service in Vietnam and his continued work in the community.

“Larry, it’s a great opportunity to say ‘thank you’ for your wonderful service to our state,” he said.

State Sen. Tom Casperson, State Rep. Beau LaFave, State Sen. Tonya Schuitmaker, State Rep. Scott Dianda, and U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman also voiced their appreciation for Dillman Thursday. Bergman said Dillman has lived a life of service to others, as exemplified by both his involvement with the Air Force and his volunteer work.

“It’s an honor for me to honor him,” he said.