Dee Pakulski, the founder of Honor Flight Northwest Ohio, has resigned as president, effective April 16. Board member and finance director Lee Armstrong will take over the reins of the all-volunteer organization that is dedicated to flying veterans to Washington, D.C. to see their memorials.

“I deeply regret making this announcement,” Pakulski said, “But due to increased family demands, I am unable to devote the same amount of quality time to Honor Flight this season.”

Pakulski built Honor Flight Northwest Ohio into one of the top hubs in the nation. After laying the foundation of the organization in the fall of 2007, she orchestrated two successful flight seasons in which HFNWO safely escorted 339 veterans on 12 flights to the nation’s capital.

“We will do everything in our power to ensure that not only will the veterans be treated with respect, but that their safety will be paramount,” said Armstrong, who is the executive director of the Veterans Service Commission.

Honor Flight Northwest Ohio is now in the process of reorganizing for the 2010 flight season. More than 500 veterans are on the flight waiting list.

Those interested in volunteering with Honor Flight Northwest Ohio may visit www.honorflightnwo.org.

Officer retires
Lake Township bid farewell to one of its police officers last week.

The township trustees last week presented W. Scott Lawson, who is retiring after 26 years with the department, with a plaque and thanked him for his service.

Police Chief Mark Hummer presented him with a retirement badge, noting he and Lawson entered the training academy the same year.

“We started on this journey together,” the chief said.

Lawson’s service on the department included a stint as the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) officer.

Fellow officers as well as family and friends were on hand at the trustees’ meeting where cake was served to mark the event

50-year members honored
Genoa Trinity United Methodist Church will honor 50-year members Sunday, April 25 during the 10:30 a.m. worship service.

Honorees include Ruth Bower, Jim and Donna Firestone and Fred Wahl. A special time of fellowship and refreshments will follow the service. The church is located at Main and 4th streets.

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