Photo by Tom Pierce
Danny Richardson, commander of American Legion Post 800, has been honored with a Veterans Service Award presented by state Sen. Jeff Stone. The awards are presented each year from Stone’s 28th Senate District to 10 military veterans who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to help their fellow veterans and members of the community.
Richardson was nominated for the award by Sandy Tatich, who had read a notice requesting nominations in the Town Crier. Tatich’s nomination recounted Richardson’s 20-year service in the U.S. Marine Corp. Initially, he was accepted into Force Recon for more than a year and then served in Iceland as a Marine security guard with top-secret clearance. Upon reenlistment, he served in TRACKS, the Fleet Marine Force, for the remainder of his Marine career.
Tatich also cited Richardson’s eight-year service as Town Hall Youth Sports coordinator and his two terms as Rotary president, distinguished by his leadership in securing a $10,000 matching grant from Idyllwild Rotary and Rotary International for the playground at Idyllwild Community Center.
Tatich also touted Richardson’s service in Post 800’s Honor Guard, and his community service in connection with the legion, including free dinners at Thanksgiving and Christmas, senior-citizens’ lunches, various other special dinners and barbecues throughout each year, supplying PTSD-afflicted Pacific Crest Trail hiking veterans coming through Idyllwild and more. Richardson currently serves in his second term as commander of Post 800.
In his letter to Richardson, Stone personally thanked him for his military service to the nation, as well as his “many contributions to your local community.” Stone cited Richardson as “an example for future generations.”
Richard will receive his award in a semi-private, invitation-only ceremony at a VFW post in Desert Hot Springs on May 26.
