Sen. Mike Crapo announced the winners of the 2025 Spirit of Freedom Idaho Veterans Service Award.

The award was created in 2002 to honor veterans and volunteers for their service to the country and its veterans, according to Crapo’s website. Since its creation, 424 awards have been given.

This year’s winners include five people from eastern Idaho: Larry Auman and Allen Arnold of Idaho Falls and Eva Ackerman, Cheri Honas and Lynn Leggat of Pocatello.

Larry Auman served in the Navy during the Vietnam War as a machinist mate second class. After serving in the Navy for six years, he worked for 40 years as a health physicist in nuclear operations at various Department of Energy facilities.

Since his retirement, Auman has dedicated his time to supporting veterans and veterans organizations. He has handled finances, minutes, correspondence, member notifications and leadership. Part of his work includes ensuring veterans receive service recognition on their graves.

Allen Arnold retired from the Navy in 1990 and has been involved in veterans activities for more than 20 years. He has participated in 1,700 graveside honors for veterans and their families.

Arnold leads the Bonneville Memorial Team and the War Bonnet Round Up American Legion fundraising effort. He serves to give back to his country and fellow veterans who have given him so much throughout his life.

Eva Ackerman has assisted veterans since 2010. She volunteers with several organizations, including the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 4, Run to Remember with the Field of Heroes and the Bannock County Veterans Memorial Association.

Serving veterans fills Ackerman with joy, and she and her husband, Larry, are known for always helping when needed.

“I’ve met several veterans who are very good,” Ackerman said on the website. “I love to find the good in people.”

Cheri Honas has served veterans in the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 1 for the past six years. She loves meeting new people and is known as someone who will always step up to help with whatever veterans need, especially with immediate needs such as lunches and dinners at the Bannock County Veterans Memorial Building.

“God looks down on all of us and smiles when he sees us making someone happy,” Honas said on the website. “He especially loves his veterans.”

Lynn Leggat has served veterans for the past three years. Her late husband, William, served in the Air Force, and after he died, she was inspired to get involved. She is involved with steak dinners with the American Legion and assists veterans through the American Legion Auxiliary.

The projects she helps with include the Field of Heroes Information Booth, 9/11 Commemoration, Pearl Harbor Remembrance, Veterans Day Luncheon and Veterans Day Parade.