Coplay Mayor Joseph Bundra recently presented the Mayor's Award and Proclamation to Stanley Reinhard Jr.

A plaque recognizes Reinhard for his volunteerism and community service.

The surprise ceremony was held last Wednesday at the American Legion Post 426, Coplay, where the Legion also held a meeting and installation of officers.

Reinhard's family and friends were present for the ceremony recognizing his many accomplishments.

"Stanley Reinhard Jr. has displayed a longtime commitment of community volunteerism," Bundra said.

In recalling Reinhard's commitment to the community, the mayor said his passion for service began at an early age when Reinhard was an active member of St. John's Lutheran Church, where he still remains actively engaged in various roles and served as past consistory president.

Known during earlier years as a milk delivery employee, Reinhard enlisted in the U.S. Army and served during the Korean War in 1950. He was later stationed in Germany and was promoted to the rank of corporal and then gunnery instructor before his honorable discharge in 1953.

On returning home, Bundra said Reinhard was invited to become a member of the American Legion where he continues to remain active, having held every seat at the local level, along with general manager of the American Legion baseball team at Sammy Balliet Stadium.

Continuing his rise in the American Legion, Reinhard was the state Legion activities director, Lehigh County commander, 14th district commander, eastern vice commander, Pennsylvania State commander and Pennsylvania state adjutant and the Legion's CEO running state activities and its operations on a full-time basis.

On a community level, Reinhard showed an interest in firefighting, later becoming the fire company's president and then fire chief. He worked to have Coplay Cement Company donate land which enabled the construction of a fire hall at the Cherry Street location.

Bundra said Reinhard's commitment to the community included membership in the Rotary Club. He currently volunteers with the Coplay Community Days, the police civil service commission, the Legion and the church.

On behalf of a grateful community, Bundra said Reinhard is being honored and thanked, along with his family which includes his wife, Beverly, and their four children, Jeffrey, Cindy, Jodi and Penny, for their support.