Buck Underwood, Luverne, was nominated for the Patriot of the Year from the Heart of the Plains Chapter 5355 of the Military Order of the Purple Heart U.S.A.
Region III Commander Ken Teunissen said patriot members recently honored Underwood for his devotion and tireless leadership both to the chapter and to the Purple Heart Trial program.
Underwood was also nominated for the Patriot of the Year from the Department of the Dakotas, which consists of members from North and South Dakota.
Underwood assisted with projects such as:
•distribution of Purple Heart signs to the American Indian reservations, counties, cities and businesses;
•distribution of desk flag sets to legislators in Pierre;
•presentation of information about the Purple Heart to combat wounded veterans, seeking their membership in the Order;
•assemby and distribution of care packages to hospitalized veterans at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Luverne and the veterans hospital in Sioux Falls.
Underwood participated in the South Dakota Veterans Council and assisted in lobbying for the new South Dakota State Veterans Cemetery.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the cemetery will be at 2 p.m. Monday, May 31.
“It is a benefit to have dependable leaders that lead by example and set high goals for themselves,” Teunissen said.
“With Patriot Underwood’s leadership and patriotism, Chapter 5355 has been active in the community and the state.”