From left are James Lemanski, Dunkirk American Legion Post 62 member and Chautauqua County American Legion Legionnaire of the Year award winner, and Barbara Colt.

The Chautauqua County American Legion recently honored James Lemanski of Dunkirk American Legion Post 62 with the Legionnaire of the Year Award at the legion’s monthly meeting held at Post 62 in Dunkirk.

James “Jim” Lemanski has been actively involved with the American Legion for more than 40 years and continues to support veterans and their families throughout the county. Lemanski has spent the past 10 years teaching flag education to fourth-grade students throughout the northern part of Chautauqua County. Lemanski provides training on proper etiquette, disposal, handling and the meaning of the nation’s flag.

Lemanski served as an Army radio telephone operator for 14 months in Vietnam. After an honorable discharge, he began working for the New York Army National Guard and served more than 20 years as the Readiness Non-Commissioned Officer until his retirement.

Within the American Legion, Lemanski served in leadership positions such as Post 62 commander. Then in 2020, he became the first and only Chautauqua County American Legion commander to serve two consecutive years in that position.

“I just like to help veterans,” Lemanski said. “If I see one in a restaurant I buy them dinner. I honor our nation and our veterans by volunteering my time at schools, veteran events, and by honoring my fallen comrades by performing honors at funerals. I work with other veteran organizations and the Joint Veterans Council to reach as many veterans as possible.”