Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
The Order of Kosciusko is an award recognizing a Kosciusko County resident who is a veteran and has given exceptional service to God, country and others in the spirit of Thaddeus Kosciuszko, Revolutionary War hero.
This year's recipient was Robert "Coach" Lichtenwalter.
Lichtenwalter was presented the award Saturday during American Legion Post 49's Veterans Day event in Center Lake Pavilion.
Lichtenwalter is a lifetime Warsaw resident, World War II veteran, active American Legion member and is a member of St. Anne's Episcopal Church.
He has given 40 years of service to the Baker Youth Clubs.
Sons of the American Legion member Ken Locke presented the award.
Of Lichtenwalter, Locke said, "Coach gives to the community in so many ways. He has impacted the youth in our community through his many years of service.
"He is an example of the 'Greatest Generation,' who came back from military service in World War II to make the world a better place."
Lichtenwalter accepted the award on behalf of his late wife, Susie.
Other recipients of the Order of Kosciuszko are Douglas K. Brumfield Sr. in 2005 and Donald Frantz in 2004.
The eight women military veterans who attended sat in the front row and received special recognition.
The Commander's Award, presented by Post 49 Commander Bob Morrison, went to Tom Everett who is chaplain at the Post and at the Veterans Of Foreign Wars No. 1126.
Pastor Lin Hutton, priest-in-charge at St. Anne's Episcopal Church, and retired U.S. Navy Captain, gave the keynote address.
The Warsaw Community High School Band a number of patriotic songs and the "Armed Forces Medley." The event included the annual Tolling of the Bells at the 11th hour in memory of American dead, a 21-gun salute and a performance of "Taps."
Legion Adjutant Mike Davis and VFW Quartermaster Jim Scott read the names of members who died since the last Veterans Day.
