Newport
Lovely, who said he was surprised by the award, was invited to speak to the organization about Newport veterans and was presented with the award after his speech.
“All of a sudden I was getting an award,” he said in a telephone interview. “I was taken aback and very, very humbled.”
Lovely served in the Army from 1963 to 1967. In 1968, he moved to Newport and joined the American Legion Claude J. Brewster Post 25 in town. Since then he has held many leadership roles and serves as the adjutant and finance officer for the post and also as an officer for the American Legion’s District 6.
In addition to organizing events, Lovely has studied the history of veterans in Newport, including the sacrifices of the Sibley and Sielewicz families, who lost members in service.
“All gave some, some gave all,” Lovely said.
Kim Chandler, chapter vice regent, said the chapter has wanted to recognize Lovely for his service ever since members worked with him in 2015 to commemorate the grave of Lt. John Lee, a Newport resident who died in Vietnam.
Lovely has also helped organize Memorial Day and Veterans Day activities, military funerals, and special projects including the dedication of Ransom/Tracy Park, Specialist Justin Rollins Bridge, Specialist Michael Brady Bridge, bringing the Vietnam Moving Wall to Newport and completing a post history project.
“He’s done so much in the Newport community for veterans,” Chandler said. “He cares about people and is clearly connected to that community.”
The chapter nominated Lovely for the statewide Outstanding Veteran Volunteer Award, which will be announced in April.