Dearborn seeks nominations for 2026 Veteran of the Year

Published Sept. 16, 2026

The City of Dearborn and the Dearborn Allied War Veterans Council (DAWVC) are now accepting nominations for the 2026 Dearborn Veteran of the Year award. The award is presented each Veterans Day, Nov. 11, to a veteran judged to have made a significant contribution to the Dearborn community and towards veterans' interests.

Nominations may be submitted in person or via email through Friday, Oct. 16, 2026. Nominees must have membership in a veteran’s organization that is part of the Dearborn Allied War Veterans Council (DAWVC), complete voluntary community service, and participate in work on behalf of veterans’ causes. Nominees are not required to be Dearborn residents.

Printable nomination forms are available on the City’s website at Dearborn.gov/Veterans and at the Dearborn Administrative Center (DAC), 16901 Michigan Ave. Completed forms may be emailed to Veterans@Dearborn.gov or dropped off at the DAC by the Oct. 16, 2026 deadline.

The 2026 Veteran of the Year award will be presented during the City’s 2026 Veterans Day ceremony, scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 11.

For more information, visit Dearborn.gov/Veterans. 

About the 2025 Dearborn Veteran of the Year

Dearborn resident and United States Air Force veteran Janet Montoya was recognized by the City of Dearborn and the DAWC as the 2025 Dearborn Veteran of the Year at the City’s annual Veterans Day ceremony. 

Montoya served from 1987 to 1995, maintaining aircraft during Desert Shield/Storm and Southern Watch. As the first female Commander of Dearborn’s American Legion Post 364, she remains a dedicated veteran advocate and community volunteer.

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