WINSTED--Lt. Col. Neil V. Hunt began his service in 1968, and continued to work to protect our country for the next nearly-40 years. Now, he is being honored for that service.
Hunt was named veteran of the year and honored in a surprise ceremony on Memorial Day after the town's annual parade. And he had no idea it was coming!
"It's a great honor," Hunt said. "I never expected to get it, there's been a lot of other people who did more. The veterans in this country gave up a lot, and I'm thankful to all of them. Memorial Day is a day to remember those who served, those who gave their lives."
The award comes from the local VFW, which he has been a member of for 23 years.
He retired from the Army in 2006, exactly 38 years after joining the armed forces during the Vietnam War.
Hunt is known for his local work, often placing flags on telephone poles up-and-down Main Street in Winsted. He has also organized countless benefits, fundraisers and charity events for veterans in the community who need extra help.
