News : Vinton veteran John Gualtier among \'Nine Who Care\' honorees

John Gualtier of Vinton (shown in the 2011 PIP Parade) is one of the 'Nine Who Care' of 2012.

A Vinton veteran who has spent thousands of hours helping other veterans with their health care needs, and has shared his experiences with many high school students, will be honored at the upcoming KCRG-TV "Nine Who Care" event.

John Gualtier, who was the 2010 Art McLaughlin Legionaire of the Year for the State of Iowa, has logged approximately 7,000 hours of service to veterans at the VA hospital since 1995. He has also donated money and vehicles to help veterans have transportation to VA facilities.

Since joining the American Legion Post 57 in 1970, Gualtier has been the Post Commander three times, Post Service Officer for more than 28 years and is the longest active member of the Post Executive Committee.

As membership Chairman Gualtier helped the Post receive the State “Road Runner” award four consecutive years. He has been among several area veterans who have spent countless hours discussing their experiences in the war with the American History Classes taught by Kelly Steffen at the Vinton-Shellsburg High School. It was Steffen who nominated Gualtier for the Nine Who Care honor. Gualtier has also spoken at other area high schools, including North Linn.

Gualtier has also received letters of appreciation for former Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton for his volunteer work with Veterans at the VA Hospital. He received the U.S. Presidential Award for 4,000 hours of Volunteer work at the Iowa City VA Hospital and two letters of Appreciation from U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley for Volunteerism in helping Veterans.

Gualtier received the Iowa State Governor’s Certificate of Appreciation for his devotion to working with Veterans and the American Legion’s Val Liken’s Iowa State Service Officer’s Award, and the State Legion Commander’s Award, presented by Commander Carroll Wagner for his dedication to the American Legion.

The banquet takes place Jan. 28. Gualtier has chosen the Virginia Gay Hospital Foundation as the recipient of the $500 charity donation, which is part of the honor bestowed on the nine award recipients.