Marine veteran Tom Peters of Old Lyme was recently chosen as the 2021 Veteran of the Year, and Norwich resident Marion Leroux-Mansour was selected as the 2021 Robert A. Murphy Veteran Supporter of the Year.

Peters has been an active member in good standing with The Marine Corps League’s Thames River Detachment #1334 for 10 years. He is also the New London County Commandant of the Marine Corps League’s Department of Connecticut. He has served the TRD as Paymaster and Detachment Commandant, and has been the chairman of the Detachment’s Marine Corps Birthday Ball. Whenever a job needs doing, Porter always steps up to pitch-in or lead the way, according to a release.

He has also been a driving force in the annual Toys For Tots campaign, despite health issues that would’ve sidelined others. This year, when there was a glitch in communication with Toys For Tots’ National Office that resulted from the unexpected death of Bob Murphy (last year’s T4T co-chair), Porter initiated a letter appealing their decision to deny us the local T4T campaign for 2021; and amazingly, their decision was overturned.

The American Legion Peter Gallan Post 104 Family nominated Marion Laroux-Mansour as the Robert A. Murphy Veteran Supporter for 2021.

Marion attended Norwich Public Schools and is the owner of properties within the City of Norwich. She retired after 30 years as a distributor for Frito Lay. She contributes her time and energy helping others and never thinking of herself. She would prefer to do what needs to be done but doesn’t realize how many people appreciate her passion and effort she puts forth.

As a member of TVCCA, she is a shopper for individuals in Old Lyme, and a caregiver/shopper for other elderly individuals in East Lyme. As a member of the Norwich Veterans Coffeehouse, she volunteers every Wednesday to purchase food for attending Veterans and guests. She works with a team of others to deliver free food items to veterans and those in need. Yearly she assists with the filling of over 100 boxes sent to deployed military.

During the Submarine Veterans Groton Base Thanksgiving event, she joins others in providing a friendly, away from home, atmosphere for everyone attending.

During her years of service as an American Legion Auxiliary member and officer, she has given endless hours during events, and fundraising. She willingly traveled to events supporting other District Units, Department of Connecticut, and the National Convention. As a member of the American Legion Post 104 Family, she volunteers weekly at their Thursday night bingo and supports the Post when asked.

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