The City of Fairhope is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Veteran of the Year Award, an annual recognition honoring a local veteran whose service to our nation is matched by a continued commitment to serving the community.

The award celebrates a living veteran who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, patriotism, and dedication through volunteerism and civic involvement. The 2026 Veteran of the Year will be recognized during the final Fairhope City Council meeting in October. Past recipients include Frank McArdle, Dr. Tonya Butler, Edwin Lessard Jr., Larry Bridges, and Doug Mansmann.

Eligible nominees must be living veterans of one of the five branches of the United States Armed Forces, including the National Guard, Reserves, or U.S. Merchant Marine. Nominees must also either reside in Fairhope, work in Fairhope, or belong to American Legion Post 199, VFW Post 5660, or another recognized veteran's organization located in the city.

In addition to military service, nominees should exemplify exceptional leadership, patriotism, and a strong record of community or civic involvement. Veterans may be nominated for a single extraordinary act or for a sustained history of service to the community. Previous Veteran of the Year recipients are not eligible for nomination.

Nomination forms are available at Fairhope City Hall, American Legion Post 199, VFW Post 5660, or online at www.fairhopeal.gov. Completed nominations must be submitted or postmarked by midnight on Friday, October 16, 2026. Applications may be delivered to the Mayor's Office at Fairhope City Hall, 161 N. Section Street, Fairhope, AL, or mailed to:

Veteran of the Year Committee
P.O. Drawer 429
Fairhope, AL 36533

Nominations remain active for two years, allowing candidates to be considered for future awards if not selected during their initial nomination period.

For additional information, contact the City of Fairhope at 251-929-1474.