Lake Linden American Legion Post 90 Sons of American Legion held a dinner to honor the Young Son of the Year, 14 year old Christian Kilpela. The honor was bestowed on Christian at the dinner, by Zack Pendell, the Fifth Zone Commander for the U.P. Sons of the American Legion. Each year the Sons Michigan Detachment hands out the Young Son of the Year award to just one of the organization’s more than 28,000 members. So it was quite an honor for this young man from Lake Linden. The award is for members 17 years of age and under and recognizes selfless dedication to taking care of veterans. Christian has been a member of the Sons for a year and has helped out at community dinners, parades and the Memorial Day services.

The American Legion Post 90 Sons of America Commander Gerard (Sarge) Kendzierski accepted an award for the group having 100% membership paid up dues. The bottom photo is again Gerard Kendzierski, Legion Post 90 Service Officer and Christian’s father, John Kilpela, Christian and Zach Pendell.

Upper Michigan Source – TV6 & Fox UP was there to cover the story. The video coverage includes interviews with Christian, his Father, John, and Zach Pendell, the Fifth Zone Commander of the Sons.

He must be a wonderful young man.
Congratulations to him!

WOW! I'm proud of him too, and I don't even know
him!!

It's been many years since I've seen Sarge. I
didn't even recognize him!

CONGRATULATIONS CHRISTIAN! Hat's off and WELL
DONE!~

"I believe that if you want to go make your mark on
the world you’ve got to go out and do it. Don't be
shy, be adventurous."

- Dame Helen Mirren

CONGRATULATIONS CHRISTIAN, WAY TO GO YOUNG MAN!!

Good set, good cause,
good young man helping
those who deserve it
with the giving of his
time and effort.
No wonder his name
is “Christian”.