A third selection for the Journal Review’s annual Shining Star contest — created to publicly recognize six leaders in the community — has been named.
Rodney Strong is the latest winner of the contest and was nominated by a member of the community who said he springs to action whenever and wherever the need for help exists.
“[Strong] spends time with his family and still makes time to do all the things the Legion needs,” Post 72 Auxiliary Commander Rosemary Hutchison said. “If anyone needs help with anything — Rodney is the first one to jump in and help get things done.”
Strong, a former Crawfordsville resident who now lives in Veedersburg, is a 35-year meter technician with Crawfordsville Electric Light & Power. He currently serves as American Legion Post 72 commander, doubling his one-year term as commander from 2019 due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. He also served a two-year term from 2018-19 as Legion commander for the entire Hoosier state.
“This year has been tough with all the (COVID-19) and everything, but most of the time it’s pretty good,” Strong said. “A lot of our [events] were weighed down. Even BINGO is about half of what we used to get.”
Strong said 2021 may bring a shift in momentum in the fight against COVID-19, and pledges to continue serving the Post and others pro bono.
“I’m always volunteering; we’ve signed up the last couple of years for Salvation Army, ringing the bell,” Strong said of his excursions with wife Sharon Strong.
In addition to collecting holiday donations, Strong volunteers any free time he may find by serving the Post and his family.
Look for stories on additional recipients in upcoming editions of the Journal Review.
