MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Kansas State Fair is introducing a new Hometown Hero Program designed to recognize military veterans who have gone above and beyond in service to their country and communities.
Kansas State Fair General Manager Bryan Schulz announced the initiative during a recent interview, saying five veterans will be selected and honored during the opening night of the fair on Sept. 11 prior to the Trace Adkins concert.
"We have some fantastic veterans out there that continue to serve and give back to their communities," Schulz said. "This is our way, as the Kansas State Fair, to recognize them and to say thank you for all that they've done for our community and our country."
The program is open to veterans who were honorably discharged or retired from the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard or Space Force. Nominees must either be Kansas residents or have significant ties to the state and must have demonstrated exceptional military service and/or continued service to their communities after their military careers.
Schulz said the program is modeled after a similar initiative he started while working in North Dakota.
Nominations will soon be available through the Kansas State Fair website, where individuals can scan a QR code and complete an online application.
The nomination deadline is July 3. Honorees will be notified by Aug. 14 and must be available to attend the recognition ceremony on Sept. 11.
Each selected veteran will receive tickets to the Trace Adkins concert and will be recognized on stage during the event. Schulz said country music star Trace Adkins has tentatively agreed to help present the awards.
"We have requested that Trace Adkins helps out with this, and he has initially said yes," Schulz said. "We'll recognize them that evening up on stage, so they will get tickets to the concert as well."
The State Fair has already begun sharing information about the program with veterans organizations across Kansas, including the VFW, American Legion and AMVETS, and is now expanding public outreach to encourage nominations.
The recognition ceremony will coincide with the Sept. 11 observance, a date Schulz said is fitting for honoring those who have served the nation.