November 14, 2001
Garmhausen 2001 Veteran of the Year
Traverse City man honored for work with veteran groups
By LISA PERKINS
Herald staff writer
Tom Garmhausen got more than he expected when he attended the Grand Traverse Veteran's Association meeting on Sunday afternoon. He came home with the 2001 Veteran of the Year award.
"I was quite surprised," Garmhausen said. "I served in the United States Marine Corps from 1958 to 1962, it was a rather uneventful time."
"I guess I was chosen for all of the things that I have done with the various veteran's groups since I retired here in 1970," he noted.
Besides his involvement in the Grand Traverse Veteran's Association, Garmhausen has been active in the American Military League and the Marine Corp League and has served as commander for each of those groups.
"I really like working with the Marine Corp League when we spearhead the Toys for Tots program. We sort all of the toys that will go to the various groups," Garmhausen said.
Garmhausen works with the Grand Traverse Veteran's Association to plan ceremonies in the community to honor veterans on various holidays, such as Veteran's Day, Memorial Day and the Fourth of July. They also give support to veterans who are in a Veteran's Home or Hospital.
Through the American Military League, Garmhausen visits vets in area nursing homes and distributes food baskets during the Christmas season.
"He has helped out a lot of needy vets and their families," said last year's Veteran of the Year, Joseph Lada. "He is always there when he is needed."
The Veteran of the Year is chosen by a selection committee from nominees submitted by all of the Grand Traverse area veterans groups. This year they also selected a Veteran Supporter of the Year.
Mary Ellen Selinski was named the first Veteran Supporter of the Year in part for her work in planning ceremonies to honor local veterans.