Arizona Stories

Lester E. Craig, Tucson

LESTER E. CRAIG
(Nominated by Norene Craig)
Centennial Hall, University of Arizona
July 8, 2011

Les is a 79 year old Marine Korean vet who made the Inchon Landing, was briefly taken prisoner but made his way back to U.S.A. lines traveling at night, raiding Korean camps for food and supplies. He has been awarded many medals including Purple Heart and the Navy Cross. Retiring after 20 years with the Department of Corrections, he is an active volunteer at the Drexel Heights Fire District as a member of their public education volunteer team working with children and seniors. As lead volunteer security man at the Arizona Desert Sonora Museum, he was named the first Volunteer of the Quarter and recipient of the prestigious Ironwood Award. He has food programs for low income senior citizens and is chairman of the Retired Senior Volunteer Programs. He also chairs the advisory board for one of the parks and recreation centers in Tucson. He has over 8,000 hours of volunteer time to his community. Far from an average senior citizen, he continues to serve daily.