POUGHKEEPSIE – On Friday, Democratic State Senate Candidate Karen Smythe was awarded Vail-Wolff McKenna-Frye VFW Post 170’s “Local Hero” award by Post Commander Tom Zurhellen.
Smythe, whose grandfather served in World War II, is a member of the VFW Auxiliary and serves as the organization’s treasurer.
Smythe said, “I am honored and humbled to receive this award. I first met Commander Zurhellen as he was completing his cross-country walk to raise awareness for our nation’s tragically high veterans’ suicide rate. I was so inspired by his journey and his work with VetZero and VFW Post 170 that I decided to do more for our returning heroes.”
Zurhellen said, “The Local Hero Award is VFW’s honor for those in the community who go above and beyond. Since Karen Smythe became a VFW Auxiliary member, she has always stepped up to volunteer her time at our events. We can always count on Karen to make sure our local vets get the support they need.”
VFW Post 170 gives out these awards annually in the run up to Veteran’s Day to honor those who make a difference.
Other recipients this year include Ed Reid, Senior Case Manager at Liberty Station, and Jessica Segal, candidate for Dutchess County Court Judge.
Past recipients include Assemblymember Didi Barrett, Christa Hines (Hudson River Housing), and Adam Roche (Vet2Vet).
VFW Post 170 is based in Poughkeepsie and serves the local veteran community, including residents of Hudson River Housing’s Liberty Station.
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