A former Marine and now active volunteer was named the Butler County Veteran of the Year.
Jim McMullen was recognized with the honor yesterday at the annual Butler County Veteran of the Year Luncheon at the American Legion Post 778.
McMullen served in the Marine Corps from 1964 to 1968 and was assigned to the Helicopter Marine Experimental #1 Squadron. During that time, he flew with President Lyndon Johnson and other world leaders.
McMullen now volunteers in the veteran community.
The luncheon is put on by Butler County Veteran Services and State Representative Marci Mustello, who believes it’s critically important to honor all veterans.
“I’ve been coming to these since the early 1990s when there was dinner and dancing,” Mustello said. “Now to be a part of it and to give back to the veterans that gave us so much in their years.”
“Looking around at the men and women in this room who served, it’s just an honor to be able to do this for them.”
Director of Butler County Veteran Services Shawnee Young says this year was especially important, as former director John Cyprian passed away earlier this year.
“We took over from John. He taught us how to do it and we’re honoring his legacy,” Young said.
Young noted that this is the only county in the Commonwealth with this type of program.
“We’re doing everything we can to honor our veterans. We want to get the younger veterans involved as well, so we’re trying to do even a few more things.”
This was the 47th edition of the luncheon.