A man with a lifelong history of service to the community has been named Hillsdale County Veteran of the Year.
Jeffrey Francis is a Vietnam veteran. He has been a member and served as an officer of the Hillsdale Exchange Club since the mid 1980s. He has also served as the Chairperson of The Cross Project which honors all Hillsdale County service members who died during any conflict. He has been the chairperson for the Hillsdale Fly-in for 6 years.
Francis is a member of the Hillsdale Township Planning commission and the Hillsdale County Veterans Affairs board.
Jeff served in the U.S. Army from January 1969 through August 1970 with the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Division. He earned a number of medals and commendations, including the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, Air Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal and Combat Infantryman Badge.
The Veteran of the Year is honored each year at the Hillsdale County Fair. The ceremony begins at 11:15 am, Monday September 26th in the Nichols Bandshell. It will follow the Veterans Day Parade.