SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — The First Citizen Award committee announced Joan Bortolon as the 62nd recipient of The Springfield area’s prestigious First Citizen Award, Wednesday night.
Bortolon who is Board President of the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight, has played an instrumental role in honoring local veterans by providing them with memorable, no-cost trips to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials dedicated to their service and sacrifice.
According to the committee, over the last 15 years, Bortolon has personally organized details of more than 70 Honor Flights for more than 60,000 central Illinois veterans and their families to take the trip which many veterans say is one of the most memorable days of their lives.
“Joan’s exemplary service to our local veterans embodies the spirit of the First Citizen Award. Volunteering countless hours in the service of others, especially thousands of veterans, that have sacrificed so much, made her a deserving winner of this year’s award,” said First Citizen Board President Butch Elzea.
Under her guidance, the Honor Flight program has grown significantly, earning widespread appreciation from both the veterans it serves in central Illinois, including the greater Springfield area.
Bortolon was chosen among two dozen nominees by a local selection committee and was awarded the First Citizen at a ceremony at Erin’s Pavilion at Southwind Park.
To nominate someone for next year’s First Citizen, click here.
