RED HOUSE — Nominations are currently being sought for the annual “Anderson/ASPHS Disabled Veterans Recognition” award. Sponsored by the Allegany State Park Historical Society and the Anderson family, the award is for a deserving, disabled veteran from any branch of service and includes a weeklong stay at Allegany State Park.

According to Don Block, vice president of ASPHS, the award is in memory of Lance Anderson’s late father, Dade Anderson, who was a park ranger at Allegany for 36 years. He said nominations are open to all United States disabled veterans, male and female, with families. Now in it’s fifth year, the award is to honor a disabled American veteran who, like other veterans, rarely gets the recognition they deserve.

“The award is to give a disabled American veteran quality family-time to make memories and help them transition back into society,” he said. “We want them to get their family together and have fun in a stress-free, beautiful place.”

Through the award, a chosen veteran and their immediate family will be able to enjoy one week’s worth of camping at the park in a week of their preference during the summer camping season.

“We ask the recipient to come to Sally Marsh’s Hootenanny on Thursday night, so we can present them with the Anderson award and recognize them for their service to our country,” Block said.

The award winner will receive a one-week stay at a handicapped accessible or standard electric cabin at a time during the summer camping season, chosen by the award winner; $200 gift card for groceries and souvenirs; half a cord of firewood delivered to site; one meal for the family at The Park Restaurant, in the Red House Administration Building; winner will be introduced at Sally Marsh’s Thursday night Hootenanny (at the recipient’s discretion); story/interview featured in local newspapers (at the recipient’s discretion)

Please note that the award winner has the option of a low or high-profile stay at the park.

The electrified cabin is about 16-feet by 16-feet and includes a refrigerator, propane cook stove with oven, a cupboard and four sleeping cots. It has a large outside porch with the option of a wheelchair ramp for handicapped accessibility.

However, there is no running water or bathroom facilities in the cabin itself. The recipient must bring their own cooking and eating utensils, bedding or sleeping bags. Transportation must be provided by the recipient.

The Allegany State Park Historical Society reserves the right to deny applicants for reasons they deem necessary. This cabin and the adjacent facilities might not accommodate all forms of disabilities. The prize and cabin credit is non-transferrable. It must be used by the recipient only or becomes void.

People are encouraged to nominate a disabled American veteran who deserves to win this award and have special time with their family. To find out more and to obtain an application, call Block at 939-4588 between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. by July 15.