2023 Veteran of the Year

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"My father joined the United States Navy in 1954.  Serving aboard the USS Kleinsmith during the Korean Conflict as a Machinist Mate Fireman.  Their ship carried Frogmen, taking them to ports in Portugal, France, Italy, Spain, Greece and Turkey.  

Married in 1956 and in 1957, he was honorably discharged.  He started his family with his wife Nancy and 4 daughters.  Dad has been a resident of East Haven for almost 40 years and a proud member of the American Legion Post 89 for over 45 years and served as Commander in 2015.  He is a very active member of the Legion, taking on different roles, whether it be painting, cleaning the outside or volunteering at functions they held.  At 88 years young, he still helps me with the many town organizations I work with including the 4th of July Fireworks, putting flags on the graves of veterans at the cemeteries in town, handing out candy at the Rotary Trunk or Treat, serving refreshments and setting up our Light the Night event at the town beach, working side by side with me at the Bingo we hosted and most recently, this weekend, he spent over 5 hours distributing poppies alongside members of our auxiliary; he even swapped stories with the many veterans he met, who have proudly served our great country. I am extremely proud to say we now have 4 generations with the Legion.  My dad, myself, my daughter Ashley Lesco and my granddaughters Alexandra and Amanda as Jr. Members.

I am proud to introduce to you the man that gives me the drive and passion to help others.  My dad, Morris "Moe" Penington, East Haven's 2023 honored Veteran of the Year."

Ann Penington, Moe Penington's Daughter