The Great Allentown Fair, in partnership with Kitchen Magic, honored United States Marine Corps veteran Sergeant Fred G. Gould Jr. as the recipient of the 2026 “Hometown Hero Award” during “Red, White & THANK YOU! Military Appreciation Day” Sept. 6.

The award recognizes a local service member or veteran whose commitment to service extends beyond the uniform and continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Gould served the office of President Jimmy Carter on the Presidential Detail, standing post at the White House and in the ceremonial role of saluting as the president arrived and departed.

Following his military service, Gould carried that same commitment home to the Lehigh Valley.

A 1996 graduate of DeSales University, Gould is Adjutant of Marine Corps League Bethlehem Detachment No. 284. He is involved with the Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council’s Veteran Visitation Program, helping ensure that veterans living in senior communities throughout the region know they are remembered and appreciated.

He and his wife Tammey volunteer with DeSales Veterans and Military Services, performing Friday Drop-In Clinics and creating works of art that help raise funds for the DeSales Veterans Scholarship and nonprofit organizations serving veterans and military-connected families throughout the Lehigh Valley.

Joey Piazza of Kitchen Magic joined Fair representatives in presenting the award.

Wendy Badman, Director of Veterans and Military Services at DeSales University, introduced Gould and shared his story with those at the ceremony.

DeSales University’s Veterans and Military Services played an important role throughout the day as the Fair’s Community and Military Engagement Partner.

The ceremony also welcomed 2025 Hometown Hero Frederic Albert Reed Jr., who led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance, and Lisa-Jon Lepeta, USDA Management Assistant and Pennsylvania Veterans Special Emphasis Program Manager, who performed the National Anthem. Lepeta also serves as the Fair’s Ag-Ed and FFA Superintendent.

“From standing watch at the White House as a young Marine to standing beside his fellow veterans here at home, Fred has made service a continuing part of his life,” said Badman.

“Red, White & THANK YOU! Military Appreciation Day” welcomed service members and veterans with complimentary Fair admission programming recognizing those who have served.