2017 Veteran of the Year Art Garrison congratulates 2018 Veteran of the Year Dennis Scanland as DAWVC Commander Bill Bazzi looks on during the City of Dearborn’s Veteran of the Year Ceremony on Nov. 11 at the Ford Community and Performing Arts Center.
DEARBORN – A patriotic ceremony in Dearborn on Veterans Day honored all veterans and service members, with special recognition given to the 2018 Veteran of Year, U.S. Air Force veteran Dennis Scanland.
Conducted in conjunction with the Dearborn Allied War Veterans Council, the annual public event took place in the ballroom of the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center.
DAWVC Commander Bill Bazzi and City Council President Susan Dabaja paid tribute to Scanland, other U.S service members and their families and friends, thanking them for their past and continued service to our country and the city of Dearborn.
Scanland, in particular, was made a focal point during the ceremony as the DAWVC 2018 Veteran of the Year honoree. Scanland was recognized by the city, residents and fellow veterans for his continued commitment to helping fellow veterans in the Dearborn area.
The 70-year-old Dearborn resident served in the U.S. Air Force from 1966 to 1970. He obtained the rank of sergeant at the time of his honorable discharge.
Scanland has been an active member in Dearborn’s veteran community for nearly 20 years. Scanland served as chaplain of Post 364 and is known to send cards to sick Legion and VVA members and to the families of members who have died. He visits regularly with lonely, sick and grieving members.
Scanland has also played an important role in helping get the remains of more than 30 unclaimed veterans out of funeral homes and taken to their final resting place at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly.
Scanland received special recognition from Dearborn elected officials including state Rep. Abdullah Hammoud, state Rep. Sylvia Santana, U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell and Wayne County Commission Chairman Gary Woronchak.