b'Annual MeetingDISTINGUISHEDPRESIDENTS SERVICEAWARDThe distinguishedThe following service award isperson holds given to thoseseveral leadership who have servedpositions as VAST as a director,county director, representing theirgroomer and club county and thepresident.entire association,According to OUTSTANDING BUSINESSat the board level.the nomination, the county he is PARTICIPATION There were a few years of vacantfrom is the hub of the southern This husband and wife team areleadership from his county, whichVermont clubs, providing a trail combat veterans who started a non- limited the clubs of that county inconnection from the southern state profit business. They offer veteranshaving a voice at a VAST level. line into bordering counties from and their families free snowmobile andThis person truly loves the sport ofthe Woodford/Manchester areas to ATV rides.snowmobiling and just couldnt rideAndover, Chester, Mt. Holly and the They also teach veterans withby and let the county he knew so wellLudlow trails. This trail connection is disabilities how to break down,continue without representation at thecritical to the VAST trail system. customize, fabricate and rebuild sledsVAST level. Since the majority of his clubs trails are and ATVs. They work with veteransToday, we would like to honor a man,in the National Forest, he has had to who have lost limbs by creating anwho through his own tenacity andensure any work they do is approved adaptive seat for them to use so that nodesire to help VAST and the county,and meets very specific requirements. veteran is left behind. took it upon himself to step up andA good working relationship is critical This husband and wife team run thisvolunteer to fill that void.to any trail improvements, especially charity work out of their own home. when working with the folks who Operation Veteran Off-Road is a 501It began with him working with aoversee what happens in the National (c) 3 tax exempt nonprofit organizationleadership team at VAST to help putForest.that provides recreational therapytogether county meetings and discussAfter years of unreliability with their to veterans from all branches of thethe issues. And then, when no one elsegroomer, he worked with his club to military utilizing snowmobiles and all- was interested, he stepped up and ranpurchase a new to them grooming terrain vehicles.for the position of county director. machine. He has personally trained VAST has partnered with Jason andHe brought positive energy, a sensenew groomer operators in using the Teresa Marsh since the inception of theof humor, fresh perspective andnew machine.business. VAST has helped to spreadthoughtfulness to the board.The club he supports also has an the word about this great service,He is a great team player and hisannual ride-in event. He can be seen donating funds from fundraisers andpassion, focus and commitment for theat the event grilling food and greeting the collecting donated clothing itemscounty he represented was top notch.guests. This is their main fundraiser for them to utilize. Last winter, a fewWe thank the past director ofand is critical in supporting their small clubs also got involved to help raiseBennington county, Mike Viggiano,clubs financial needs.money and collect gear and clothingwith the Distinguished Service Award. As a new director trying to rebuild the for this wonderful service. county team, he attended neighboring county meetings to understand and learn the structure and dynamics.12 | Snowmobile VERMONT'