Toronto man recognized as veteran of year

STEUBENVILLE - Friends, family and comrades-in-arms of the late Carl "Dutch" Nordenger gathered Wednesday for a ceremony honoring the Korean War veteran as the Jefferson County Veterans Service Commission's 2009 Veteran of the Year.

The mid-afternoon ceremony at the War Memorial Building included friends of Nordenger praising his service along with the awarding of a plaque to his wife Peggy commemorating Nordenger's many years of involvement in veterans' affairs, community projects and as a leader at the Toronto American Legion Post 86.

Bill Cermak, president of the veterans service commission board, praised Nordenger, who died in March 2007, as a passionate advocate for veterans and the Legion's youth outreach programs.

"Nordenger helped with the Toronto Titans, as well as the basketball, football and baseball programs," said Cermak. "For several years he would travel to Toronto High School's band camp and served as a chaperone. Nordenger also was a volunteer fireman for several decades and volunteered for every parade held in Toronto, according to officials. He also was involved with Toronto Community Days and numerous other community events."

Nordenger, a native of Toronto, graduated from Toronto High School in 1949 before enlisting in the Army in 1951, said Cermak. Assigned to the 199th Engineer Battalion in Korea for 12 months, Nordenger attained the rank of corporal and received several medals before his discharge in 1953.

Nordenger also was a constant presence in Toronto Legion baseball and Boys and Girls state program, where a select group of high school students study government up close for several days each year, Cermak said.

"Nordenger became involved with Legion baseball in 1982, and his involvement, along with his support and dedication to Post 86 and the 10th District, was renowned," Cermak said. "A resolution was approved at the American Legion Department of Ohio summer convention to change the name of the American Legion Baseball Tournament to the Carl "Dutch" Nordenger Memorial Tournament.

"Nordenger and his wife Peg would attend orientations and kept all the students well informed of the requirements and what to expect during the nine days of Boys or Girls State," Cermak said.

Nordenger also would chaperone the Boys and Girls State delegates to and from Bowling Green State University, and on several occasions would spend the week directing the delegates through the program, Cermak added.

"(Nordenger) held the position of Post 86 commander for three years and also held the office of finance officer and trustee," Cermak continued. "Nordenger also was active in veterans' holidays or events and was involved with the annual Toys For Tots campaign."

Several of Nordenger's friends also testified during the ceremony to his deserving the award.

Ed Mascio, director of the veterans service commission, praised Nordenger's no-nonsense attitude and his dedication to veterans.

"Dutch taught me a few things, too," said Mascio. "He always had a word of wisdom that I carried with me."

Peggy Nordenger said she was grateful her husband was getting the recognition.

"I really want to thank you for this," she said. "This completes a circle of activities that were dear to him. I'm very glad for everyone that came here to support me today."

(Miller can be contacted at mmmiller@heraldstaronline.com.)