The Acme Grange started the Columbia Citizen of the Year in 1977.
They saw a need for recognition of the individuals that gave extraordinary service to the
community. In 1990 the Grange passed the torch to the Homecoming Committee.
In 2007 the Homecoming Committee invited the Columbia Historical Society to sponsor the
Citizen of the Year. The response from the community shows that many people in Columbia do a
great service for their fellow residents.
This years Citizen of the Year is Commander Dave Carroll of the Edward P Madak,
VFW Post # 9340. He is a long time member of the post. He served in Vietnam and received
the Purple Heart.
Here are some of the comments from the various nominations.
He continually gives his time and energy to the VFW, to all veterans and their families,
our children, the residents, the schools and our organizations. Under his command the VFW
has donated more than $50,000 to this community this past year.
For 4 years now in November Dave Carroll has led representatives of all branches of the
military into Copopa. There he addresses the elementary students. He speaks to the
importance of educating the youth of this community about our history, our future as it
directly relates to the brave men and women of the U.S. Military. He also thanks the
students for remembering them on Veterans Day.
He is a very caring and generous man helping those in need. He is always there never asking
for any thing in return.
It was through his leadership and dedication that the Veteran�s Memorial was built in
Columbia Park. A very large undertaking that many companies thought a small post of only
150 could not accomplish. But ground was broken on Veterans Day in 2006. On Memorial Day
in 2007 the memorial was dedicated with 1,000 people in attendance.
It is our honor to present Dave Carroll with the 2008 Columbia Citizen of the Year award.
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