FAIRHOPE- Applications for 2016 Veteran of the Year are now being accepted by the City of Fairhope. Each year the city honors a local living veteran who has served his or her country and has also used the leadership skills and abilities learned in service to the nation to better the community through volunteerism. The 2016 Veteran of the Year will be announced at the last City Council meeting in October. Past recipients include Joe Birindelli, Kenya Thomas, Tom Odom, Dr. Barry Booth, Dale Crittenden, Mawk Arnold, Billy Garner, Jim Jeffries and Clarence Bishop. Eligible nominees must be residents of Fairhope, work in Fairhope, be a member of the American Legion Post 199 or the Fairhope Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5660 or a member of any other sanctioned veteran organization in Fairhope. Nominees must be living veterans of one of the five armed forces of the United States, including Reserve or National Guard, or the U.S. Merchant Marine and must demonstrate outstanding patriotism, leadership and selfless service as a veteran and as a volunteer in the community or civic service. Nominees cannot be previous recipients of the Fairhope Veteran of the Year Award. The recipient may be awarded for a single act or continuous service. Applications are available at all city buildings, American Legion Post 199 and the VFW Post 5660. Applications must be submitted or postmarked no later than midnight October 7, 2016 and can be dropped off at the mayor’s office at Fairhope City Hall, 161 N. Section St. or mailed to Attn: Veteran of the Year Committee, P.O. Drawer 429, Fairhope, AL 36533. Nominations are valid for two years. For questions or additional information, call 929-1466.