KENNEBUNKPORT — Supporting military veterans is generally considered a commendable act in any context. But some go above and beyond.
On Friday, the Joshua Chamberlain chapter of the Association of the United States Army formally recognized Pam Payeur, executive director of the Wounded Heroes Program of Maine, as its “Person of the Year” during a ceremony at the Rhumb Line Motor Lodge in Kennebunkport.
Top recruiters from the active army, National Guard and Army Reserves were also honored during the event, which was attended by Gov. Paul LePage and first lady Ann LePage, who was recognized as the AUSA Person of the Year in 2012.
The Adjutant General of Maine Brig. Gen. James Campbell was also in attendance, as well as his staff and other honored guests from all departments of the Army.
“To become Person of the Year, it’s not just, ”˜Who do you want to have?’” said Cindi Piacitelli, AUSA chapter president. “We put a lot of thought into who we select.”
Piacitelli told a packed room at the lodge that Payeur was inspired to create the Wounded Heroes program by her son, an army veteran who sustained a head injury while conducting operations in Iraq in 2007.
Payeur, when she received the award, deflected credit to her team, praising their tireless dedication to veterans who come back home with injuries.
“Not one person on this team has a misplaced agenda,” said Payeur. “Not one.
“A scoch less than 1 percent of us serve in the military,” she said. “But that leaves 99 percent of us who are left in a position to help them when they come home. And that’s a good thing. … We will do this until every single one of them comes home and gets what they need.”
The AUSA is a private, nonprofit organization supporting all components of the United States Army. The Joshua Chamberlain chapter is one of 125 chapters worldwide, and has made it its mission to recognize, honor and support those who fight to protect the American citizenry.
— Staff Writer Jeff Lagasse can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 319 or [email protected].
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