BENNINGTON — Local "Unsung Hero" and Veteran Paul Yerke was honored in Bennington on Saturday for his outstanding service to veterans and the Bennington community. A devoted veteran and community leader, Yerke has made it his mission to support and uplift his fellow servicemen and women according to the Walloomsac River and Downtown Walk, which presented the award.

Yerke has long been involved with the Patriot Guard Riders of New York and the Nation of Patriots. He is on the Board of Directors for the Leatherstocking Honor Flights, escorting veterans on multiple trips to Washington, D.C. Yerke is also a past president of the American Legion Riders Post 13, where he received the national American Legion Riders of Honor Award.

Since 2009, Yerke has taken part annually in Wreaths Across Ame

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