November 22, 2000
Lada receives Veteran of the Year award
Serving others second nature to Traverse City Navy veteran
By Carol South
Herald contributing writer
Despite retiring six years ago, Joe Lada is busier than ever.
After a career as a plumber and state inspector with the State of Michigan, Lada now spends his time helping veterans in any way he can. The city resident is a life member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Korean Veterans' Association - serving others is second nature to this Navy veteran.
Whether it is driving disabled veterans to medical appointments downstate, serving in the color guard at funerals and parades or coordinating a Christmas Tree sale, Lada is the man to call if something needs doing. While these tasks are just a slice of his volunteer efforts, they are a reflection of a man who is motivated by a deep belief in helping others, especially those who have served their country.
"Like the VFW always says, I am honoring our dead by helping the living," said Lada, who also serves as the American Legion's poppy chairman and pitches in anywhere else he is needed. "I believe in what I do and I do what I like to do."
Recognizing his dedication to fellow veterans, the Grand Traverse Veterans and Auxiliary Association named Lada "Veteran of the Year" at their annual Veteran's Day dinner earlier this month. The Grand Traverse Veterans and Auxiliary Association is the umbrella organization for local veterans groups. The organization created this annual award three years ago to honor a veteran who exhibits extraordinary service and contributions to area veterans.
In a conspiracy worthy of a military operation, organizers kept the award a secret from Lada, despite his attending virtually every veteran's meeting in the region.
"I was strictly surprised, I felt very humbled and shocked that it was me," Lada said.
Naming Lada as Veteran of the Year this year was an easy choice, said longtime friend and fellow volunteer Ray Mills, the award's first recipient.
"I see what Joe does, he just does it - doesn't question it, doesn't back down," said Mills, past commander of the American Legion Bowen-Holliday Post. "When he drives the van, he's up at 4:30 in the morning to get going."
More than a leader, Mills said that Lada is a leader by example.
"Joe will never be a commander of a post, he is not a leader and not exactly a follower," Mills noted. "He'll just keep moving along and keep everyone moving along with him. He motivates guys by his example."
Sometimes his example means 15- or 17-hour days, driving veterans who do not have transportation to VA Medical Centers in Saginaw, Lansing, Detroit, Battle Creek and Ann Arbor. For the past three years, Lada has been the backbone of the program, said Laura Mitchell, a service officer with the Veteran's Affairs office in Grand Traverse County.
"We would not have the program if it weren't for Joe, he takes most of our trips," Mitchell said. "He never complains, he always has a smile on his face. A lot of veterans would not have the medical treatment they have been getting without Joe to drive them."
A fourth generation native of Traverse City, Lada enlisted in the Navy just out of high school. He served from 1951-1954 on a destroyer in the Atlantic Ocean. He is one of 5.5 million Korean War veterans, who are assuming a more important role in veterans groups nationwide as World War II veterans die at a rate of 1,000 a day.
For Lada, his intensive participation in area veterans' groups is a part of his ongoing service to his country.
"People do not always realize the sacrifices veterans have made, they've forgotten," Lada said. "You have a certain amount of pride in serving your country. I'm proud to be a veteran."