A Celebration of Service: the Humboldt Hero of the Year is named

Eureka, Ca., (KIEM)- Pierre Charbonneau was one of the original minds behind the Humboldt Hero Award. Every month, with the help of local businesses, one veteran is recognized (on the last Friday of the month) for their service.

A patriot through and through, Charbonneau is a Vietnam veteran himself, and today he was surprised with the final (and most prestigious) award of the year.

“I was wondering why my family and friends were all here!” He said on stage. He even joked about wearing better pants, but the importance of the plaque for him goes well beyond the flag and box.

“I never expected to be part of the honorees.” Charbonneau said in front of family and friends, the award in his hands for only seconds. “Because it does mean a lot. A lot of times I can’t even… I don’t even have the heart to thank people because I’m so humbled by the things that they did for this country, and I never felt privileged enough.”

A much loved member of the community, Charbonneau seems to take the most joy in recognizing others.

“It means quite a bit to me.” Charbonneau says, “Because when a lot of the guys came back from Vietnam, we weren’t really welcomed home.” He did two tours of duty, serving on two air craft carriers and one battle ship. “Now I’ve gotten to welcome home several Vietnam Vets, World War II and Korea, I mean unbelievable heroes of America.”