Published: November 12, 2009 10:20 pm      

Hopkins honored with 2009 Distinguished Citizenship Award

BLUEFIELD – A lifelong resident of Bluefield who has done everything from serve his country during World War II to serving his community through local civic organizations was honored Thursday by the American Legion with the Distinguished Citizenship Award.

The 2009 recipient of the of the American Legion Riley-Vest Post # 9 Distinguished Citizenship Award is A.A. “Lon” Hopkins Jr. Hopkins was recognized during the legion’s banquet at the Bluefield Youth Center on Stadium Drive.

“I didn’t know it until the last minute,” Hopkins said. “The only thing that I can say, I will quote Lou Gehrig on his last day with the Yankees: ‘Today I consider myself the luckiest man in the world.’”

During World War II, Hopkins served two years as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division of the United States Army. At home, he was a member of the Grace United Methodist Church for 32 years and has been a member of the Bland Street United Methodist Church for 46 years, where he has held numerous leadership posts.

As a long-term member and post commander (8 years) of American Legion Riley-Vest Post #9 of Bluefield, Hopkins presented programs on the history and symbolism of the American flag to foreign delegations visiting the country as part of the Center for International Understanding programs at Bluefield State College. He also made these presentations to numerous civic organizations and public schools. As part of these programs, he distributed 281 American flags.

Hopkins has been president of the Greater Bluefield Jaycees and was named Jaycee of the Year in 1958. He has been an active member of the Bluefield Lions Club since 1963, serving as president twice and receiving West Virginia and International Lions Club awards recognizing outstanding community service.

Hopkins is married to Bonnie Aliff Hopkins, and they have two sons, Stephen L. Hopkins and Dr. Christopher D. Hopkins.

— Contact Greg Jordan at gjordan@bdtonline.com