Richard Sawyer admitted Friday morning he was a reluctant award winner at the United Veterans Council's annual Town Hall meeting last week.
"I really don't like to call attention to myself," said Sawyer, named as Veteran of the Year at the Thursday night event. "I am happy I got it, but there are a lot of people out there who deserve it more than me."
Those who attended the event at the Yuba County Government Center in Marysville would beg to differ.
"He has been extremely active in veterans affairs," said council official Don Schrader. "I think it was a great choice."
It's also likely that veterans who benefited from Sawyer's guidance and help in receiving benefits they were due would also politely disagree with his reluctance.
"I don't like taking bows because we are vets helping each other," Sawyer said. "I just got a thank-you from a veteran for helping them get their benefits. I say 'Don't thank me,' just pay it forward.'"
Sawyer, who worked the ground maintenance crew for the SR-71 at Beale Air Force Base in the 1980s, is active in the American Legion, Veterans Stand Down and Disabled American Veterans. He is also a member of the Blackbird Association.
As a hospital representative for the DAV, Sawyer travels the North State visiting patients and helping secure their benefits.
"When I walk in I always ask how they are doing," Sawyer said of his hospital visits. "A lot of the guys don't know they have benefits."
Sawyer works closely with the local Veterans Services office and has an office at the Veterans Administration clinic in Yuba City. He took over the DAV duties five years ago from Tom Mack.
"I like to think I have a good relationship with all the vets in the area," Sawyer said.
Winning the Business of the Year award Thursday night was Duke's Diner in Olivehurst. Mary Jane Griego, daughter of late military veteran and diner owner Duke Griego, accepted the award.
"It was such an honor," Mary Jane Griego said Friday morning. "I see this as an award in my father's honor. My father was involved in two VFWs and was a big supporter of all veterans."
The restaurant has also provided food for the annual Veterans Stand Down in Beckwourth Riverfront Park.
In addition, Kelly Carter, who has been involved with the Stand Down since it began, won the Civilian of the Year award.
