By Rick Madewell
Assistant Editor

Leonard Burn was awarded Outstanding Veteran of the Year during the ninth annual Veterans Dinner at Kissimmee Elks Lodge April 17.

His wife, Ann, wasn’t too far behind him, earning the honor of Volunteer of the Year.

According to Don Smith, president of the Osceola County Veterans Council and chairman of the Veterans Tribute and Museum, a few others were recognized for their contributions to the local veterans group: Annabell Santa won Veteran of the Year; St. Cloud Mayor Donna Hart won Citizen of the Year; Teacher of the Year went to Sarah Andriaccio, of Neptune Middle School; and Conrad Thompson Funeral Home earned the Spirit Award.

Almost 200 people attended the special dinner, with food prepared by the lodge, to watch as the special awards and their recipients were announced.

“I was shocked,” Burn said. “It was very nice but I didn’t expect it, even when I realized it was me.”

Burn, a World War II Navy veteran who will turn 86 years old this month, is a member of the Osceola County Veterans Council Honor Guard, performing at military funerals for the past 15 to 20 years.

“He never fails to show up when you need him,” Smith said.

Burn also is an active member of VFW 4225 in Kissimmee and he and his wife volunteer once a month at a Department of Veterans Affairs home in Orlando.

“They go there and help out other veterans,” Smith said. “They’re amazing people, both of them.”

Burn said he enjoyed his time in the service as a young man. He later went to work for the Scott Paper Company and was employed there for 34 years, retiring some 25 years ago.

“I love retirement. I just wish it paid more,” he said.

Burn called his wife, to whom he’s been married for 65 years, “the most wonderful person in the world.”

The couple has three sons, nine grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

In winning the Citizen of the Year award, Smith said the St. Cloud mayor has always supported the veterans group.

“Donna is great. She’s always been there to assist in the veterans program,” Smith said. “She’s a very big supporter of veterans. And the whole City Council is also a big supporter of veterans. They’re a good bunch of people to work with.”

“I was truly surprised,” Hart said. “I am very honored to receive this award.”

Hart said that although she was not a veteran herself, she has an extreme amount of respect for all of the sacrifices made by veterans.

“My dad was a World War II veteran who died in January, and getting this was emotional for me,” Hart said. “I wish dad were still alive to see it. He would have been proud because he was proud of his service to our country and he instilled in us a pride in country.”

The mayor said her work with the local veterans group has played a significant part in her life.

“I am truly blessed to be counted as their friend,” she said.

To win the Spirit Award, a business or organization must be a partner in some of the veterans programs.

Smith said Conrad Thompson Funeral Home representatives have always worked well with the veterans group and at the recent Springfest for Good Samaritan Village funeral home they were passing out small American flags.

Overall, Smith said, the entire evening was a huge success and the food was a big part of that.

“The food (roast beef and chicken) was great,” Smith said. “I haven’t heard one complaint about anything … all I have heard has been compliments. I think the Elks Lodge deserves a big hand for what they did.”