Don Alsbro, of Benton Harbor, was named today the 2009 recipient ofthe Margaret B. Upton Volunteer Leadership Award. The honor was presented during the Volunteer Center of Southwest Michigan's National Volunteer Week Luncheon, held at the Grand Upton Hall at Lake Michigan College.

Alsbro was nominated for this prestigious award by Lest We Forget, an organization dedicated to honoring and remembering veterans and an organization which he helped to found in 2005.

“(Don’s) True passion has been to ensure that the men and women serving our country in uniform are recognized for their service and sacrifice,” said Daniel Stice Director of the Berrien County Veterans Service Office. “He has played the pivotal role in seeing to it that the stories of our WWII veterans were recorded for history by the Intermediate School District…The scope and magnitude of (the Lest We Forget) events is absolutely amazing, and they happen only through the pure volunteer leadership of Don Alsbro.”

Starting Lest We Forget was a logical step for Alsbro, who has dedicated his life to honoring, remembering and assisting veterans, and serving his community whenever he was called upon. A highly decorated Vietnam Veteran who served two tours in the war, Don has devoted his life to honoring all U.S. veterans. He has worked tirelessly to ensure that the men and women serving our country in uniform are recognized for their service and sacrifice. In his work with Lest We Forget, Don has led and organized the production of various patriotic programs, the “Lest We Forget” videos shown throughout Berrien County schools, World War II and Korean War classes at Lake Michigan College, school presentations, patriotic concerts, World War II re-enactments, and many other events.

But aside from Lest We Forget, Alsbro’s volunteerism and service to the community spans more than 30 years. Some of Don’s other volunteer activities include:

<!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->Organizer of Senior Olympics in Southwest Michigan

<!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->Berrien County 4-H Leader

<!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->Organizer of SW Michigan Dump Your Plump contests

<!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->Future Promise 4-H Horse Club

<!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->Member of Benton Harbor Retired Senior Volunteer Police

As this year's Margaret B. Upton Volunteer Leadership Award winner, Albro receives $1,000 from the Frederick S. Upton Foundation to donate to the non-profit organization of his choice.

Alsbro was selected from a group of nine impressive nominees. Included were Louis DiGregorio, Birthright of St. Joseph; Carol Oehlhaffen, The Readiness Center; Bruce Dacre, Harbor Habitat for Humanity; Don Gast, Hospice at Home; Anita M. Schultz, City of St. Joseph Public Library; Robert Elliott, Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency; and Hella Grams, Humane Society of Southwest Michigan.

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