WESTFIELD—The city’s American Legion Post 124 has nominated one of the city’s own for the Foreign Born Citizen of the Year award.
Post 124 nominated Nabil Hannoush for this year’s award. The award, which is through the American Legion of Massachusetts, goes to foreign-born citizens that “aspire to be good American citizens,” according to past commander and current member of American Legion Post 124 William Spradlin. Hannoush’s nomination for the award is the second such from Westfield, with the first happening last year.
Nabil Hannoush, center, with members of American legion Post 124
“I’m very honored to accept the nomination and am thankful for the Post,” Hannoush said. “I’m very grateful.”
According to Hannoush, he first emigrated from Lebanon over four decades ago, along with his parents and eight siblings to “pursue the American dream,” he said.
“Coming to this country 46 years ago was such a great blessing,” said Hannoush.
According to Spradlin, Nabil Hannoush, along with his wife Julie, have donated both money and efforts to veterans and others extensively over the past several years. Spradlin said that recipients of the donations from the Hannoush’s have included Post 124, the Sons of the American Legion, the YMCA in Westfield, as well as corporate sponsorships to the Westfield Senior Center and last year’s Babe Ruth World Series in Westfield.
Additionally, over the past three years, the Hannoush’s have donated over $180,000 to Westfield-based charities, according to a press release from the Legion.
Hannoush is also active in the battle against veterans and mental illness and suicide, leading the committee for Westfield’s first Lift for the 22 5k, which was to acknowledge the 22 veterans a day that reportedly commit suicide. He also provides 22 free gym memberships to veterans for the cause.
Regarding his efforts, Hannoush said, “I wake up every day and ask how can I give back.”
