By LINDSAY CAREY STAFF WRITER The Southington YMCA will honor a World War II veteran and active community volunteer for his lifetime of service with the Compass Award at the 12th annual Forever in Blue Jeans gala on Friday, Nov. 21, at the Aqua Turf Club. “Our Forever in Blue Jeans committee nominates people that they feel meet the criteria of the award as someone who sets a course for others to follow in the community,” said Community Development Director Donna Ayer. This year, the committee decided that the best candidate for the award for many reasons is lifelong Southington resident Walter Hushak. His service began, but does not end, with his active duty during World War II as a pilot in the U.S. Air Force. According to a press release from the YMCA, he survived battles at Iwo Jima, Pagan, and Marcus Island. Hushak also served in the Air Force Reserves for several years, before retiring as a lieutenant general and going on to share his hand in American History with students in local schools. “We chose Walter because of his dedication to our community and our country,” said Ayer. “His whole life has been about service to others […]
By LINDSAY CAREY STAFF WRITER The Southington YMCA will honor a World War II veteran and active community volunteer for his lifetime of service with the Compass Award at the 12th annual Forever in Blue Jeans gala on Friday, Nov. 21, at the Aqua Turf Club. “Our Forever in Blue Jeans committee nominates people that they feel meet the criteria of the award as someone who sets a course for others to follow in the community,” said Community Development Director Donna Ayer. This year, the committee decided that the best candidate for the award for many reasons is lifelong Southington resident Walter Hushak. His service began, but does not end, with his active duty during World War II as a pilot in the U.S. Air Force. According to a press release from the YMCA, he survived battles at Iwo Jima, Pagan, and Marcus Island. Hushak also served in the Air Force Reserves for several years, before retiring as a lieutenant general and going on to share his hand in American History with students in local schools. “We chose Walter because of his dedication to our community and our country,” said Ayer. “His whole life has been about service to others […]