Capt. Woody Hughes, left, and fellow veteran Griff Ratteree. Photo by Robert Deppe.

LAKE COUNTY – Capt. Woody Hughes, retired U.S. Navy and PhD, received a special salute from Vietnam Veterans 951 when the chapter named him “Member of The Year” during a recent meeting at St. Mary Immaculate Parish Hall.

VVA recognized Capt. Hughes, chapter chaplain, for overall good works that he has performed in the community.

Chapter President Dean Gotham awarded certificates of appreciation for contributions and participation above and beyond the call of duty to the following outstanding members: Warren Fox, Ken Melville, Dave Retherford, Warren Canfield, Cliff Shores and Suzanne Schneider, associate member. Retherford received lifetime membership.

Schneider, an active chapter member, created 300 handmade wallets for nursing home residents as part of the “Seniors Not Forgotten” Christmas project.

Lisa Deppe, representing the VFW Ladies Auxiliary 2015, presented Gotham with a $200 check for the “Wall of Pride” in memory of the late Barnett Hoffman. The names of donors and sponsors will be acknowledged on the wall, which will be located in the reception area. The chapter will introduce to Lake County the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Moving Wall this summer.

Chapter 951 (with a contribution from VFW Post 2015) hosted a memorial service Feb. 12 at St. Mary's with Rabbi Richard Altman officiating. More than 100 friends, relatives and veterans officials paid tribute to Hoffman, who died Jan. 30. United Veterans Council provided a rifle salvo followed by Chaplain Hughes' presentation of the flag to Hoffman's family.

Hoffman, who was instrumental in the formation of Chapter 951 and Santa Rosa Chapter 223, was vice president and later treasurer of 951. He was twice a white hat commander for VFW.

Despite health restrictions, “Hoffman made outreach to veterans a priority, caring deeply for homeless/and or challenged veterans,” Gotham said.

His medals include Vietnam Veterans Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, Combat Infantry Badge and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

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