Veterans Services & Resources
The 2026/2027 Veterans Day ceremony will take place Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026, at 11 a.m. at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center, 15801 Michigan Avenue.
2026/27 Veteran of the Year: U.S. Army Veteran Jim Pipitone
U.S. Army veteran Jim Pipitone has been named the City of Dearborn’s 2026/2027 Veteran of the Year by previous recipients of the award.
Pipitone (bottom right of photo), a lifelong Dearborn resident and 1969 Fordson High School graduate, enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1970 and served as a Hercules Missile Launcher Crewman in Vicenza, Italy, earning the National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal before his discharge in 1972. Following his service, he dedicated decades to local volunteer work, including Stockings for Soldiers, Toys for Tots, Wounded Warriors fundraisers, and veteran medical transportation. Pipitone currently serves as Sergeant-at-Arms for American Legion Post 364 and Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 267, as well as Treasurer for the Legion Riders.
2025 Veteran of the Year: U.S. Air Force Veteran Janet Montoya
Selected by Past Veterans of the Years, United States Air Force Veteran Janet Montoya has been named the City of Dearborn's 2025 Veteran of the Year.
Montoya, a U.S. Air Force veteran from Hart, Michigan, served from 1987 to 1995, supporting F-4s, F-15s, and KC-10s and deploying during Desert Shield/Desert Storm and Operation Southern Watch. The only woman in her F-15E maintenance unit, she demonstrated exceptional leadership and resilience. In Dearborn, she became the first female Commander of American Legion Post 364, driving community engagement and veteran support. A member of the VFW, 40&8 Voiture, and American Legion Auxiliary, Janet also volunteers locally.
She’s worked at AVL for over 22 years and shares her life with husband Frank and their two children.
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Veterans Calendar
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Veterans Services Information
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