In the past 25 years, Wally Bolte has participated in more than 1,700 funerals, sometimes as many as four in one day.

Bolte, commander of the VFW Honor Guard, Post 1326, organizes the dozen or so men who are members of the honor guard to provide military funeral honors to veterans. Over and over, Bolte has led the men, nine each time, as they reverently perform 21 gun salutes, play Taps and fold and present flags to grieving families.

Each time a veteran's family requests military honors, funeral homes call Bolte, and he coordinates the honor guard's presence. He also coordinates flag presentations at schools and nursing homes and participates in presenting colors at other ceremonies, such as the dedication of the new Memorial Bridge.

For no pay, Bolte has selflessly spent hours working to honor others and deserves recognition for the work he has done, Jerry Huffman, a member of the honor guard, said in nominating Bolte.

"He has unselfishly been the commander, the captain, of the VFWHonor Guard that performs at veterans funerals,"Huffman said.

- Jenny Michael